National Video Rentals : ‘Boomerang’ Rings Some Bells

“Boomerang” . . . No. 1? Though many in the industry are stunned, it’s not really that surprising. First, most of the Top 5 have been around for a while, so renters are eager for a hot new title. Second, the Eddie Murphy romantic comedy is benefiting from fan interest in his recent movie “The Distinguished Gentleman”--though largely a disappointment because it did decent but not, as expected, great business. Also, the huge success of the “Boomerang” soundtrack has helped keep the movie alive. What is surprising is that “Housesitter,” which seems to be mired at No. 4, hasn’t made it to the top. Some retailers, though, report that it’s among their Top 2 titles, so it may make a move in the next week or two. Look for “Honey, I Blew Up the Kid,” which leaped to No. 7, to crack the Top 5 next week.

“Twins Peaks” mania is long past, as the meager box-office returns ($4.2 million) for this movie indicate. But some retailers say they expect to do strong business with this title over the next few weeks, based on the notion that there are still pockets of “Peaks” freaks out there. The movie entered the rental chart at No. 21.

National Video Rentals

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1.”Boomerang” 5 3 2.”Lethal Weap. 3” 1 7 3.”Patriot Games” 2 8 4.”Housesitter” 4 4 5.”Sister Act” 3 10 6.”Buffy ... “ 10 3 7.”Honey ... “ 36 3 8.”Univer. Soldier” 7 6 9.”Far and Away” 8 9 10.”Basic Instinct” 7 13 * “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me” ... 1

SOURCE: Billboard Publications Inc.