Video Rental Charts : Everybody Likes ‘Misery’

There’s nothing miserable about the performance of “Misery,” which has streaked up the Billboard magazine rental chart, jumping from No. 7 to the top in just one week. “Reversal of Fortune” moved up one notch, back into the Top Five--at No. 5. However, the star power of Whoopi Goldberg, who picked up an Oscar for “Ghost,” didn’t quite turn “The Long Walk Home,” the acclaimed movie hardly anyone saw, into a big rental hit. Still it’s done rather well, peaking at No. 15 and slipping to No. 23 this week. Other newcomers faring fairly well: “Not Without My Daughter” (No. 14) and “Once Around” (No. 17). Chart debuts: “The Russia House” at No. 11, “Flight of the Intruder” at No. 16.

* “L.A. Story,” the romantic comedy starring Steve Martin, is off to a great start at No. 8. This movie, which grossed more than $27.5 million, could make the Top Five.

Ranking Weeks Ranking 2 Weeks On Rental Top Rentals Last Week Ago Chart 1. “Misery” (Nelson) 7 ... 2 2. “GoodFellas” (Warner) 1 1 6 3. “Edward Scissorhands” (FoxVideo) 3 3 4 4. “Kindergarten Cop” (MCA/Universal) 2 2 7 5. “Reversal of Fortune” (Warner) 6 5 5 * “L.A. Story” (LIVE) --- --- 1