National Video Rentals : ‘Passenger 57’ Jumps Into Top 10

Rental chart leader “Under Siege” is under siege from “Passenger 57,” the action thriller starring Wesley Snipes, which soared from No. 32 to No. 7 and could land in the second spot next week. Judging from retailer reports, “Siege” looks too strong to be bumped out of No. 1 just yet. “The Player,” which some figured to be just a mild hit on home video, has reached surprising heights--jumping from No. 9 to No. 3. There was some doubt that this dark look at the deal-making side of Hollywood would interest those who had no connection to the industry. But so far, as indicated by the No. 3 ranking, business has been good throughout the country--probably thanks to the lure of the star-studded cast. It turns out that most renters haven’t been that curious about Woody Allen’s “Husband and Wives,” which sank to No. 21 after premiering at No. 18. Even some stores in the New York area--Allen’s stronghold--report mild business, maybe because those who’d mainly be interested have already seen it. “Consenting Adults,” the lurid thriller starring Kevin Kline that grossed $21.6 million in theaters, is renting much better than predicted, climbing to No. 6 in two weeks.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1. “Under Siege” 1 3 2. “The Last of the Mohicans” 2 7 3. “The Player” 9 3 4. “Sneakers” 4 9 5. “A League of Their Own” 3 10 6. “Consenting Adults” 14 3 7. “Passenger 57” 32 2 8. “Captain Ron” 8 4 9. “Singles” 6 5 10. “Honeymoon in Vegas” 5 9 * “The Mighty Ducks” ... 1

* For the uninitiated, this is not a documentary about the new Anaheim hockey team. It’s the surprise hit ($50.7-million gross) comedy about a pee-wee hockey team, starring Emilio Estevez. “Ducks” flew onto the chart at No. 11 and should easily make the Top 10--maybe even the Top 5.

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.