‘Sister’ Gets Its Rental Act Together

“Sister Act,” which bounded from No. 32 to No. 5, and “Batman Returns” have the same problem in the rental market. Both are selling for $15-$20 and attracting buyers, consequently reducing rentals. But some retailers say “Sister Act” has been such a strong rental that it may go to No. 1 anyway--particularly with a boost from holiday business. Look for “Far and Away,” the Tom Cruise romantic drama that grossed nearly $58.2 million in theaters, to be a big rental hit, primarily because of his drawing power. It premiered at No. 7 and should crack the Top 5 next week.

* The third installment of this series starring Sigourney Weaver wasn’t as high on the fright scale as the first two, but did gross $55 million last summer. Though it entered the chart quietly at No. 32, “Alien 3” should be in big demand in the rental market through the end of the year.

National Video Rentals

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1. “Basic Instinct” 1 5 2. “Batman Returns” 2 4 3. “Beauty, Beast” 3 4 4. “My Cousin Vinny” 4 7 5. “Sister Act” 32 2 6. “The Cutting Edge” 5 4 7. “Far and Away” ... 1 8. “Thunderheart” 6 5 9. “Deep Cover” 13 2 10. “Beethoven” 7 8 * “Alien 3” ... 1

SOURCE: Billboard Publications Inc.