Top 5 80s Music Videos: Essential Viewing Guide

Remember the days of MTV, when music videos were a whole event? Bright colors, big hair, and unforgettable dance moves defined an era. But if you’re trying to build the ultimate 80s music video playlist today, where do you even begin? It’s tough! There are thousands of amazing videos, and narrowing down the absolute essentials feels like a mission impossible.

Scrolling endlessly through YouTube or streaming services only adds to the confusion. You want the classics, the groundbreaking visuals, and the songs everyone still knows. You need a shortlist that hits all the right nostalgic notes without hours of searching.

That’s where we step in. We’ve done the hard work for you! This list cuts through the clutter to bring you eight essential, must-see music videos from the 1980s. Get ready to relive the best of the decade.

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

The 1980s brought us vibrant colors, big hair, and groundbreaking music videos. Buying a collection or compilation of these iconic visuals is a fantastic way to revisit that era. This guide helps you choose the best ’80s music video experience.

Key Features to Look For

What essential elements should I check before buying?

Content Breadth: Look for collections that span various genres. Do you want just pop hits, or do you also want New Wave, rock, and early hip-hop? A wider selection offers better value.
Artist Representation: Check the tracklist. Does it include essential artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Duran Duran, and Prince? Missing a major star can be a big letdown.
Runtime and Volume: How many videos are included? Make sure the collection offers a substantial amount of viewing time for the price.
Bonus Features: The best sets include behind-the-scenes footage, director interviews, or commentary tracks. These extras enhance the experience greatly.

Important Materials and Formats

What physical or digital formats are common, and what are they made of?

Most ’80s music videos are available on DVD, Blu-ray, or digital streaming platforms. Blu-ray discs offer the highest potential picture quality because they hold more data.

Physical Media (DVD/Blu-ray): These are durable if stored correctly. Look for high-quality packaging that protects the discs from scratches.
Digital Access: If you buy digital files, ensure they offer high-bitrate downloads. This means the picture quality will be sharp, even when streamed.
Original Source Material: The best compilations use the original master tapes. This is important for color accuracy and sharpness.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

How can I tell if the video quality will be good?

The original production quality of the video matters, but so does the transfer process. Poor quality ruins the fun.

Restoration Work (Improves Quality): Reputable releases undergo digital restoration. This process cleans up the image, removes flicker, and improves color balance. Always seek out “digitally remastered” versions.
Aspect Ratio (Improves Quality): Most music videos were shot in the standard 4:3 ratio (the square look). If a collection stretches these videos to fit modern widescreen TVs (16:9), the image will look distorted and thin. Check that the aspect ratio is preserved correctly.
Compression Issues (Reduces Quality): If too many videos are crammed onto one cheap DVD, the compression might be too high. This results in blocky or blurry images, especially during fast-moving scenes.

User Experience and Use Cases

How will I use this collection?

These collections serve multiple purposes. They are perfect for nostalgia trips or introducing younger generations to classic music.

Party Backgrounds: A curated playlist of iconic ’80s videos makes fantastic background entertainment for themed parties.
Casual Viewing: Pop in a disc and enjoy a trip down memory lane. The user interface on the disc menu should be simple and easy to navigate.
Educational Value: For film students or younger viewers, these videos show how music promotion changed forever in that decade. Look for consistent chapter breaks between songs for easy skipping.

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

Q: Are ’80s music videos usually in color or black and white?

A: Almost all major label music videos from the 1980s were filmed in full, vibrant color, reflecting the decade’s style.

Q: Should I buy DVD or Blu-ray?

A: If your TV is high-definition, Blu-ray will provide a noticeably sharper picture, assuming the source material was well-restored.

Q: Can I stream these videos instead of buying physical media?

A: Yes, streaming is popular, but physical media often guarantees you get the exact, complete, and high-quality version without streaming service edits.

Q: What does “uncensored” mean in this context?

A: It means the videos are presented exactly as they were first shown, without any edits made for broadcast standards (like removing suggestive dance moves or brief nudity).

Q: Why do some videos look blurry even on Blu-ray?

A: If the original 16mm film used to shoot the video was low quality, no amount of digital remastering can fix the fundamental softness of the image.

Q: Are these compilations officially licensed?

A: Reputable sellers ensure the content is licensed. Unlicensed bootlegs often have terrible quality and may disappear quickly.

Q: How do I ensure I get the original music track with the video?

A: Official releases use the standard album version of the song. Be wary of unofficial sets that might use live concert audio instead.

Q: What is the most common aspect ratio problem?

A: The problem occurs when videos shot in the older 4:3 ratio are poorly stretched to fill modern 16:9 widescreen TVs, making everyone look too wide.

Q: Are director commentary tracks common in these sets?

A: They are somewhat rare but are the gold standard for bonus features. They offer great insight into the creative process.

Q: How should I clean my purchased discs?

A: Always wipe discs gently from the center hole outward toward the edge using a soft, lint-free cloth. Never wipe in a circular motion.

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