National Video Rentals : Liftoff for ‘Passenger 57’

“Passenger 57,” which has been the top rental in many stores for the past few weeks--but No. 2 on the Billboard chart--finally cruised past “Under Siege,” landing in the top spot. Eddie Murphy’s “The Distinguished Gentleman,” which grossed $46.5 million, opened at No. 8 and should make the Top 5. Murphy is still a big video star and the promise of him starring in a comedy resembling his early ‘80s triumphs should lure customers--despite lukewarm reviews. “Trespass,” the urban action movie featuring Ice-T and Ice Cube, premiered at No. 10 and shapes up as a big video hit. It opened around Christmas last year--the wrong time for this kind of movie--grossing a disappointing $12.5 million. But, some retailers predict, some of the audience that missed it in theaters will finally catch up with it on home video. “Reservoir Dogs,” the sleeper rental hit of the year, continues at its strong pace, remaining at No. 9.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1. “Passenger 57” 2 5 2. “Under Siege” 1 6 3. “Consenting Adults” 4 6 4. “Hero” 3 4 5. “The Player” 5 6 6. “Mighty Ducks” 6 4 7. “The Last of the Mohicans” 7 10 8. “The Distinguished Gentleman” ... 1 9. “Reservoir Dogs” 9 6 10. “Trespass” ... 1 * “Bob Roberts” -- 1

* Director-star Tim Robbins’ political satire “Bob Roberts” caused barely a ripple at the box office--$3.5-million gross--but is attracting a fair number of renters, jumping from No. 21 to No. 15. According to some retailers, it’s getting a boost from the success of fifth-ranked “The Player,” which also stars Robbins. Apparently some renters who like Robbins in “The Player” have been inspired to sample “Roberts.”

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.