Hey I was wondering how to get an old video back after I recorded over it?

Question

I know this might sound stupid, but here it goes. I recorded something on tv over something using a VCR that now I really, desperately want to see now. Anything I could do to get it back? And please be serious I feel really bad for recording over it. 10 points for best answer.

Answer 1

Not going to happen. What you recorded is here to stay.

Answer 2

Just to repeat what the guy above me said.  When you record anything on a magnetic tape, it first passes through an erase head to remove what was previously there.  Otherwise, you'd have conflicting information and the tape wouldn't work very well, if at all.  So first, the old stuff is erased, and then the new stuff is recorded.  No way to change your mind and get the old stuff back.  It's gone forever.

I know, it sounds blunt and cold, but that's because there is not the slightest remote chance for what you hope.