Some of the most sought after Stryper collectibles are their retail videos: Live In Japan and In The Beginning. Although not too hard to find, there is a steady demand from collectors to find these videos. When word came out last year of a Stryper expo, one of the most asked questions was "Is it going to be released on video?" Although it was not in the original game-plan to release one, collectors made their voice known. Planet Rapture Productions responded with the 1st Annual Stryper expo video!

The concert was shot from 3 separate camcorders: one on the side of the stage, one in front of the stage, and one by the sound board. Although this video cannot compete with the quality of Live In Japan, the excitement of the crowd and the chemistry of the band come across strong on tape. Before viewing this tape, fans must understand that this was an informal jam, not a full blown concert. The stage was small, the lights were minimal, and the Stryper members are dressed very casually. With that said, the songs were tight and the performance was top notch.

Naturally, the jam is the most talked about part of the video. But there is so much more! Each band member was interviewed specifically for this release, and their comments were placed throughout the footage. The day before the expo, the band made an in-store appearance which included 2 acoustic songs by Mike and Oz. Not only is this footage included on the video, but you'll view behind the scenes footage of Stryper being interviewed on the Tour Bus radio show. Brief bonus footage of Stryper rehearsing the night before the expo and the December concert in Costa Rica will leave you wanting more!

A glowing review so far, right? Don't be mistaken, there are a few flaws. The cover is eye catching, but the pictures could be much better. The footage of the exposition hall is very hard to watch. It's a shaky camera that is sped up, and it's several minutes too long. Those with weak stomachs beware. This video is not perfect, but definitely worth your twenty bucks!

In time, the 1st Annual Stryper expo video will be in more of a demand than its 2 previous successors. The first two were pressed worldwide, while the expo video will have a limited pressing of 2,000. My prediction is that this video will be out of print by the end of the year, so get yours while you can!