Video Rental Chart : ‘Predator 2’ Makes Its Move

After two weeks at No. 2, “Predator 2” finally unseated “Ghost” from the No. 1 position on the Billboard magazine rental chart, booting it all the way down to No. 7. “Predator’s” reign will probably be brief because Arnold Schwarzennegger is back. His “Kindergarten Cop” barreled up to No. 3 in its first week on the chart. Next week, look for this action-drama, which grossed a hefty $84 million, to leapfrog second-place “Mermaids” to take over at No. 1 for several weeks. “The Grifters” debuted at No. 9.

* Based on Carrie Fisher’s semi-autobiographical novel, this comedy-drama, starring Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine, debuted at No. 8 and should crack the Top Five next week. Streep’s best-actress nomination got extra attention for this movie, which grossed $37.8 million, and should make it even more attractive in the rental market.

Ranking Ranking 2 Weeks Top Rentals Last Week Ago 1. “Predator 2” (FoxVideo) 2 2 2. “Mermaids” (Orion) 3 12 3. “Kindergarten Cop” (MCA/Universal) ... ... 4. “Jacob’s Ladder” (LIVE) 8 11 5. “The Rookie” (Warner) 5 15 * “Postcards From the Edge” (RCA/Columbia) ... ...

Weeks on Rental Top Rentals Chart 1. “Predator 2” (FoxVideo) 4 2. “Mermaids” (Orion) 3 3. “Kindergarten Cop” (MCA/Universal) 1 4. “Jacob’s Ladder” (LIVE) 3 5. “The Rookie” (Warner) 3 * “Postcards From the Edge” (RCA/Columbia) 1