National Video Rentals : ‘Under’ Lays Siege to the Chart

The Steven Seagal action-adventure “Under Siege” jumped on the chart at No. 4, but should take over the top spot in the next week or two. Some retailers report that, so far, this is their most popular title of the year by far. Also, distributors who supply rental outlets say there’s been bigger demand for “Under Siege” than any other title this year. “The Last of the Mohicans,” though, is still doing good business and should linger in the Top 5 for a while. With renters lately showing a strong appetite for tawdry thrillers, “Consenting Adults,” starring Kevin Kline, appears headed for the Top 20, following its modest debut at No. 37. The other new sex-and-violence thriller, “Whispers in the Dark,” with Annabella Sciorra, is fading (No. 23) after a promising start--peaking at No. 15. The comedy “Captain Ron” is doing well, climbing two notches to No. 11.

* Director Robert Altman’s star-studded “The Player” was one of last year’s biggest critical favorites. Fans, though, were only mildly interested in this inside peek at the nastiness of deal-making Hollywood, as indicated by the box-office gross--a so-so $21.5 million. To entice those who’ve already seen it, the video version features some extras--like outtakes. “Player” entered at No. 14 and should make the Top 10, though it may have just limited appeal for the masses--despite its mystery structure.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1. “The Last of the Mohicans” 1 5 2. “A League of Their Own” 2 8 3. “Sneakers” 3 7 4. “Under Siege” -- 1 5. “Honeymoon in Vegas” 4 9 6. “Singles” 6 3 7. “Mr. Saturday Night” 12 2 8. “Candyman” 10 3 9. “Death Becomes Her” 7 8 10. “Mr. Baseball” 9 3 * “The Player” -- 1

SOURCE: Billboard Publications Inc.