National Video Rentals : ‘Unforgiven’ Knocks ‘Men’ to No. 3

Some retailers say “The Bodyguard” is their No. 1 rental, but “Unforgiven” still has an overall edge, finally claiming the top spot and bumping “A Few Good Men” to No. 3. But “Bodyguard” could still power its way into the lead. “Home Alone 2,” which premiered at No. 6, also has a good shot at No. 1 but, because it’s being sold in the $15-$20 range, much of its business will be in the sales market. Another candidate for the top spot is “Scent of a Woman,” boasting Al Pacino’s Oscar-winning performance. It entered at No. 7 and should easily jump into the Top 5 next week. “Lorenzo’s Oil,” about a gravely ill child, is doing surprisingly well--No. 12. For all its acclaim, it’s the kind of movie many avoid; obviously, the grim theme is being counterbalanced by its main attraction--Susan Sarandon’s Oscar-nominated performance.

* This Jean-Claude Van Damme action drama has nowhere to go but up, after entering the rental chart at No. 14. It did OK at the box office, $21.9 million, but that’s not a great gauge in this case because a lot of Van Damme’s fans are strictly renters. “Nowhere to Run” should be a solid long-term rental.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1.”Unforgiven” 2 4 2.”The Bodyguard” 3 4 3.”A FewGood Men” 1 5 4. “The Crying Game” 5 4 5.”Bram Stoker’s Dracula” 4 6 6.”Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” -- 1 7.”Scent of a Woman” -- 1 8.”Forever Young” 6 8 9.”Malcolm X” 10 2 10.”Leap of Faith” 7 5 *”Nowhere to Run” -- 1

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.