National Video Rentals : ‘Vinny’ Fends Off ‘Basic Instinct’

“Basic Instinct” made a grand entrance on the Billboard magazine rental chart at No. 2, failing to beat out “My Cousin Vinny,” the comedy starring Joe Pesci, which jumped from No. 5 into the top spot. Some retailers contend that “Basic Instinct” would have been a sure No. 1 if LIVE had released the unrated version featuring about 40 seconds trimmed from the R-rated cut shown in theaters. But the unrated “Instinct” won’t be available until late next year. With fairly strong business in its second week, the Dolly Parton vehicle “Straight Talk” climbed three notches into the Top 10--at No. 9. The Disney musical “Newsies” entered at No. 28 but some retailers say it may not crack the Top 10.

“Thunderheart,” the thriller set on an Indian reservation, is off to a fast start, premiering at No. 11. That’s not surprising considering that the film, starring Val Kilmer as a part-American-Indian FBI agent, did decent business in theaters, grossing $20.1 million. It probably won’t crack the Top 5 but it should make the Top 10.

National Video Rentals

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1. “My Cousin Vinny” 5 3 2. “Basic Instinct” 1 3. “Fried Green Tomatoes” 1 9 4. “Beethoven” 3 4 5. “White Men...” 4 9 6. “Final Analysis” 2 8 7. “Medicine Man” 6 9 8. “The Lawnmower Man” 7 8 9. “Straight Talk” 12 2 10.”White Sands” 8 6 “Thunderheart” 1

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.