these were most likely filmed on federal land that is super easy to get permits for. there is a large area in inland southern california for these types of things that the federal government controls and is legally required to give permits for (unless environmental concerns like leaving your trash arises).

if this is true, its the same area where burning man and other desert festivals are held : D

Green screen technology was too expensive. Relatively easy way to put the stars in a big space versus dressing a giant soundstage.

There was a hella dope sandstorm by the end of them too. if you don't agree, talk to the hand. The 90s were all that and a bag of fries, although I guess you could argue that

Edit: I like how your user pic is the ICQ flower. Uh-oh! Someone's old!

Specifically it was salt-flats in many cases. Often with a car.

Top tip: a beach with an undercranked camera can double as a desert at a pinch. Don’t try to “add the sunshine back” in post, like when Red Dwarf used North Wales as a tropical resort.

What video does the top right picture come from?

oh shit not him!

You know, I never actually noticed this pattern until now. Maybe because i was literally a kid in the 90s and took things at face value.