Guide to 80 Music Videos: Our Top 5 Selections

Remember the days when MTV ruled the airwaves, and a music video could launch a song into superstardom? The 1980s were a visual explosion for music! But picking just 80 unforgettable music videos from that iconic decade feels like trying to choose your favorite star in the night sky—it’s nearly impossible!

Trying to curate the ultimate 80s playlist for a party or just for your own nostalgia trip can be overwhelming. Where do you even begin? You want the classics, the groundbreaking visuals, and those videos that still make you say, “Wow!” Sifting through decades of footage takes serious time and dedication.

Fear not, fellow music lovers! We have done the heavy lifting for you. Inside this guide, you will find our carefully selected list of 80 essential music videos that defined the decade. Get ready to revisit groundbreaking choreography, incredible fashion moments, and the songs that changed everything.

Prepare to press play on the ultimate 80s trip as we count down the 80 music videos you absolutely need to see again.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Reliving the ’80s Music Video Magic

The 1980s were a wild time for music videos! MTV changed everything. Now, you can own that colorful, energetic nostalgia. This guide helps you choose the best ’80s music video collection.

Key Features to Look For

When buying ’80s music videos, you need to check a few important things. These features make your viewing experience much better.

1. Song Selection and Artist Lineup

Hit Ratio: Does the collection include the biggest hits you remember? Look for videos from Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and major New Wave bands.
Completeness: Check if the collection features the *original* broadcast versions of the videos. Sometimes, compilations use shorter edits.
Genre Mix: A good set covers pop, rock, metal, and early hip-hop.

2. Format and Compatibility

Decide how you want to watch these classics. The format matters a lot for modern viewing.

Blu-ray/DVD: These offer high-quality playback on standard home systems. Blu-ray usually provides the best picture clarity.
Digital Download/Streaming: This offers flexibility. Make sure the platform is easy to use and supports your devices (TV, tablet, phone).
Physical Media (VHS Lookalikes): Some special editions try to mimic old VHS tapes for nostalgia, but the quality will be lower.

Important Materials and Source Quality

The “material” here refers to the original source of the video footage. Better sources mean better pictures.

Source Quality Check

Original Tapes: The best collections use the original master tapes. This means the colors look bright and the picture is sharp.
Restoration Work: Look for descriptions mentioning “digitally remastered” or “restored.” This means experts cleaned up the old footage.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all ’80s video sets are created equal. Some look fantastic; others look fuzzy.

Quality Boosters:

High Definition (HD or 1080p): If the video was upscaled from standard definition (SD), it might look soft. True HD transfers look amazing on modern TVs.
Audio Quality: The sound should be clear. Look for Dolby Digital or lossless audio options. You want that ’80s synth sound to punch!

Quality Reducers:

Poor Transfers: If the seller didn’t clean up the footage, you might see “video noise” (static or graininess).
Censorship/Edits: Some videos were edited for content back then. Ensure the version you buy is the full, intended version.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about *how* you plan to use your collection. This affects which version you should buy.

Viewing Scenarios:

Nostalgia Night: If you host parties, a comprehensive DVD set that plays easily on any player is perfect. People love singing along to familiar tracks.
Deep Dives: If you are a music historian or researcher, look for sets that include director commentary or behind-the-scenes footage.
Casual Viewing: A digital subscription might be best if you just want quick access to your favorite five or six videos without owning a large collection.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About ’80s Music Video Collections

Q: Are these videos in color?

A: Yes, almost all ’80s music videos were filmed in color. You should expect vibrant, bright colors.

Q: Will these look good on my big 4K TV?

A: They will look better than ever if they are remastered. However, remember the original videos were made in lower resolution. They might look slightly soft compared to modern shows.

Q: Why are some videos missing from official compilations?

A: Music rights are complicated. Sometimes, record labels or publishers do not agree on the price for including certain songs in a set.

Q: Should I buy DVD or Blu-ray?

A: Blu-ray offers a sharper picture. If you care about the best picture quality, choose Blu-ray. DVD is fine for casual viewing.

Q: Do these collections include bonus features?

A: Some premium sets do! Look for interviews, making-of documentaries, or early concept sketches.

Q: Are there versions focused only on one artist?

A: Absolutely. Many major artists, like Duran Duran or Janet Jackson, have their own official retrospective video releases.

Q: What is “remastered”?

A: Remastered means the original video tape was cleaned up using modern computer tools to make the picture clearer and the sound louder and cleaner.

Q: Can I use these videos for a presentation?

A: Check the license! Most home media purchases are only for personal use. Commercial use requires special permission.

Q: How long is a typical full collection?

A: A comprehensive set can easily run 10 to 20 hours of content, featuring hundreds of different music videos.

Q: Is there a difference between a VHS transfer and a digital transfer?

A: Yes, a big difference! A VHS transfer will look fuzzy and have tracking lines. A true digital transfer comes directly from the original video masters, resulting in a much cleaner look.

Tom Scalisi

Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!

Top 80 Music Videos Recommendations