If I had to pick one show that defined the ’90s, the answer is <I>Beverly Hills 90210.</i> The story of a couple of kids who relocate from Minnesota to the trendiest zip code in America lasted pretty much all of the ’90s over the course of 10 seasons. The series helped keep Fox as a cool destination for younger viewers after the demise of 21 Jump Street. Who didn’t want to hang out at West Beverly High instead of their pauper school? And unlike 21 Jump Street, these new students weren’t out to bust their classmates every week. Although a few of the actors were old enough to be undercover cops on the verge of retirement. Beverly Hills 90210: The Ultimate Collection brings together all ten seasons and the reunion mini-series that aired last year a BH90210.
The series starts with the Walsh family arriving in Beverly Hills. Dad (James Eckhouse) has taken a serious job upgrade from his work in Minnesota. His wife (Carol Potter) can’t figure out this era before the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. His son Brandon (Jason Priestly) and daughter Brenda (Shannen Daughtry) have to grow up fast at the high school since nobody lives the slow pace of the Midwest. They needs to hook up and get fake IDs before they’re completely pegged as hicks. They make quite a few friends including the gorgeous Kelly (Jennie Garth), the future rapper David (Brian Austin Green), hunky Steve (Ian Ziering who was already 26 in the first season), nerdy Andrea (Gabrielle Carteris who was 29 at the start). sweet rich girl Donna (Tori Spelling – whose dad was the executive producer) and bad boy Dylan McKay (Luke Perry). There was also a kid named Scott (Douglas Emerson) who pretty much vanished after the first season. Don’t get attached to Scott.
The show originally focused on the entire family dealing with life in the land of the rich and famous. But very quickly it became apparent that viewers didn’t care what mom and dad did in the land of the lavish. People just wanted to see Brandon and Brendon getting up to trouble with their new friends. What’s interesting is that the pilot episode was directed by Tim Hunter. He was responsible for three amazing films about high schoolers with Over The Edge, S.E. Hinton’s Tex and River’s Edge. It’s strange to think that the man who gave us this trio of rough and tumble youth flicks would be calling the shots for the Walsh kids and their classmates. They didn’t burn down the school or cover up the murder of a classmate. Over the decade, the show did bring up plenty of serious issues over its run. The kids dealt with drug abuse, alcoholism, date rape, VD, violence and more. The kids even had to cope with one of their close friends swearing they want a rap career. Talk about a trauma.
Because the show lasted 10 years, the settings varied as the seasons progressed. It originally started with everyone in high school. But after a few seasons, they had to graduate and end up in nearby colleges. Then we follow them a bit in the real enough world after they get their second screen diplomas. Not everyone went along for the entire ride. Brenda went off to London mainly because of behind the scenes friction between Shannen Doherty and the producers. Luke Perry hit the road after season six although he came back for an even more dramatic send off in the later years. Andrea left halfway through. Probably because she looked old enough to be everyone’s except Steve’s mother. Tiffani-Amber Thiessen popped up mid-way through the run after spending her previous time on Saved By the Bell. Future two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank popped up for a season. There’s plenty of guest stars including that special time when The Flaming Lips showed up at the Peach Pit.
The show went off the air in 2000, but remained popular in syndication as a new generation got hooked on the elite teen soap opera. People couldn’t get enough of the sideburn action between Brandon and Dylan. The was such a following that Fox brought the show back in 2019 with a meta twist. BH90210 was a six episode series about getting the cast back together to make a new episode. The actors played fictionalized versions of themselves as they worked on the project. All six episodes are included in the boxset so you can see how they’ve grown up.
Beverly Hills 90210: The Ultimate Collection is super addicting. You’ll just keep devouring episodes as if they’re burgers at the Peach Pit. Hit play and let yourself be transported back to the ’90s.
The video is 1.33:1 full frame for the original series. It’s 1.78:1 for BH90210 since that was a recent show. The transfers look fine. You’ll be able to fully appreciate Dylan and Brandon’s haircuts. The audio is Dolby Digital Stereo. You’ll get the full drive of the opening theme.
Audio commentaries from creator Darren Star on The Pilot episodes and “Spring Dance.” Writers Charles Rosin and Karen Rosin discuss their script on “Commencement” on season 2.
Beginnings with Darren Star
Meet the Class of West Beverly High
90210 Behind-the-Scenes
Looking Back: Season One Recap
Meet the Walshes
Our Favorite Valentine
Everything You Need to Know About Beverly Hills 90210 Season 2
7 Minutes In Heaven
The World According to Nat
Everything You Need to Know About Beverly Hills 90210 Season 3
90210 Genre Benders
7 Minutes In Heaven
Everything You Need to Know About Beverly Hills 90210 Season 4
The Final Goodbye (43:40) is a special about the filming of the final episodes and the impact of the show.
Gag Reel from BH90210
Beverly Hills 90210: Behind the Scenes (22:47) is from 1993. The cast talks about their characters and how things have been going on the show. You’ll get to see some fine early ’90s fashions and haircuts.
The Reunion from 2003 (40:01) brings back the original cast including Shannen to share memories and roll clips.
A Look Back with Darren Star (21:27) has the creator talking about his creation. This ran back in 2013.
Promos (1:12) includes a pop quiz.
Entertainment Tonight Segments (3:08) has Mary Hart talking about the show. This covers when the show first started and the finale.
CBS DVD presents Beverly Hills 90210: The Ultimate Collection. Starring Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Gabrielle Carteris, Luke Perry, Brian Austin Green, Tori Spelling, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen and Hilary Swank. Boxset contents 299 episodes on 74 DVDs. Release date: May 18, 2021.
