Journey: Live in Houston 1981 Escape Tour

Arena rock 1970s-‘80s superstars Journey are captured live roughly halfway through their career and at the very height of their popularity in this 1981 filmed for MTV Houston concert promoting the band's Escape album, which yielded three Top Ten hits—“Who's Cryin' Now,” “Open Arms,” and Don't Stop Believin'”—all of which are performed here. Fronted by singer Steve Perry (whose trademark upper register vocals defined the band) and the lead guitar work of Neal Schon, half of this 15-song set hails from Escape (including the title track), with the rest from their 1978-'80 LPs Infinity, Evolution, and Departure, including the hits “Lights,” “Where Were You,” “Wheel in the Sky,” “Anyway You Want It,” and the power ballad “Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'.” In fact, all that's really missing here from the pre-Frontiers hit-list are “Just the Same Way” and “Only the Young.” Presented in surprisingly clear (given the age of the concert) Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo, DVD extras include an 11-minute compilation of vintage band interviews and a bonus track on the accompanying CD. A solid snapshot of Journey in their absolute prime, this is recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)