It is likely that some music videos from the 80s were recorded on reel-to-reel tapes. Reel-to-reel tape recording was a popular format for audio recording in the 70s and 80s, particularly among audiophiles. It offered high fidelity and a wide dynamic range, but the tapes were cumbersome and not portable. Reel-to-reel tapes were also used in recording studios for mastering and mixing music. However, it is also possible that some music videos from the 80s were recorded using other formats, such as Betamax or VHS.

Also worth reading: What is the best AI upscaling software in 2026 for converting old videos to 4K? · VideoProc vs Topaz Video AI comparison: which one is better for upscaling videos to 4K in 2026? · What is the AI film grain restoration workflow for upscaling videos to 4K?