National Video Rentals : ‘Young’ a Surprise Chart-Topper

According to some video retailers, the romantic fantasy “Forever Young” jumped from No. 8 to No. 1 because it’s doing bang-up business among female renters, who prefer macho star Mel Gibson in romantic roles. Its top rank is a surprise considering the film was a hit ($55-million gross) but not a blockbuster. “Forever” was probably helped out by a lull in blockbuster releases in the last few weeks. A spot-check of video retailers in the Midwest and South indicates “A River Runs Through It,” although second-place overall, is tops in many rural stores. “Damage,” the lurid drama starring Jeremy Irons and Oscar nominee Miranda Richardson, premiered at No. 16. Although the Louis Malle film only pulled in $7.5 million at the box office, renters apparently are attracted to an unrated version with its added footage of sex scenes.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1. “Forever Young” 8 2 2. “A River Runs Through It” 3 5 3. “The Distinguished Gentleman” 1 7 4. “Hoffa” 2 4 5. “Howards End” 6 4 6. “Passenger 57” 4 11 7. “Toys” 5 4 8. “Under Siege” 7 12 9. “The Mighty Ducks” 9 10 10. “Glengarry Glen Ross” 12 5 * “Body of Evidence” -- 1

* Madonna’s undraped body is the major lure of the erotic thriller “Body of Evidence,” which was trashed by critics and grossed a lowly $13.7 million. But it premiered at No. 11 and should do very well on video because of the unrated version, which boasts extra sexy footage.

SOURCE: Billboard Publications Inc.