MTV/1985

Top of the Hour 1985 (1985-1986)


Visuals: Once again, we see footage of a rocket taking off. When it reaches space, it dislodges a TV from the top which flies in front of a laser; the laser shoots it, before the MTV logo forms piece by piece, covering the space scene and flashing different colors.

Technique: A blend of stock footage, 2D and live action setpieces.

Audio: Yet another update of the One Small Step theme.

Conga Line (1985-1989)


Visuals: We see various characters do a conga line until a man with a TV on his head arrives and presents a multicolored MTV logo.

Technique: 2D animation.

Audio: A conga beat.

Day & Night (1985-1990)


Visuals: There is the MTV logo against a sunny yellow background when it suddenly morphs into a street. A flaming electric guitar arrives and explodes at the screen, revealing a heart that morphs back to the MTV logo, now in a city at night.

Technique: 2D animation.

Audio: Cartoon sounds and a hard rock score.

Yells (1985-1988)
Visuals: A green and pink MTV logo is presented on a camouflage background. Then, a viking woman jumps in and sings opera as Tarzan swings in doing his signature yell and takes her away. Then, a duo of elephants storm in and exit off-screen, shaking the logo.

Technique: 2D animation.

Audio: Classical music at the start and the viking singing, Tarzan hollering, and the elephants trumpeting.