Have you considered the Video8 release (8mm tape) as a slightly better quality tape-alternative to Beta/VHS?
The Hobbit - Video 8 Movie 8mm - J.R.R. Tolkein's Animated Film - BRAND NEW
http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Hobbit-Video-8-Movie-8mm-J-R-R-Tolkeins-Animated-Film-BRAND-NEW-/400844825836
[note: see on the box -- "Stereo" & "76 minutes"]
Wikipedia - 8 mm video format:
In terms of video quality, Video8, and Beta-II offered similar performance in their standard-play modes. In terms of audio, Video8 generally outperformed its older rivals. ... Video8 later included true stereo ... In general, Video8 comfortably outperformed non-HiFi VHS/Beta.