Video Rental Chart : ‘Kindergarten’ to Head of the Class

“Kindergarten Cop” took over the top spot of Billboard magazine’s rental chart after two weeks and could reign for another month or so. “Postcards From the Edge”--starring Meryl Streep--shot up to No. 2 but, because of “Cop,” may never reach No. 1. Considering all the acclaim and Oscar attention--nominations for Anjelica Huston and Annette Bening--”The Grifters” didn’t do that well at the box office ($12 million gross), probably because it’s basically a downbeat art-house movie. Many renters, though, were waiting for this one. After two weeks, it’s No. 5. “Green Card,” the romantic comedy starring Gerard Depardieu and Andie MacDowell, debuted at No. 15 and could bound into the Top 5 next week.

Ranking Ranking 2 Weeks Top Rentals Last Week Ago 1. “Kindergarten Cop” (MCA/Universal) 3 ... 2. “Postcards From the Edge” (RCA/Columbia) 8 ... 3. “Mermaids” (Orion) 2 3 4. “Predator 2” (FoxVideo) 1 2 5. “The Grifters” (HBO) 9 ... * “GoodFellas” (Warner) ... ...

Weeks on Rental Top Rentals Chart 1. “Kindergarten Cop” (MCA/Universal) 2 2. “Postcards From the Edge” (RCA/Columbia) 2 3. “Mermaids” (Orion) 4 4. “Predator 2” (FoxVideo) 5 5. “The Grifters” (HBO) 2 * “GoodFellas” (Warner) 1

* Despite the best-picture Oscar for “Dances With Wolves,” a large film-buff and industry faction considered director Martin Scorsese’s gangster drama the best movie of the year. This box-office hit ($46 million gross), featuring the performance that won Joe Pesci the best supporting actor Oscar, debuted at No. 26 but could jump into the Top 10--maybe even the Top 5--next week.