National Video Rentals : ‘Aladdin’: Hard Sell as a Rental

“Aladdin” swooped onto the rental chart at No. 7, which doesn’t seem that impressive for a movie that grossed more than $217 million. But, as always with Disney animated features, most of the “Aladdin” action will be in the sales market, where it’s available for about $15 at most outlets. Because of all the sales, it’s hard to predict what will happen to it in the rental market. Some stores report brisk rental business, but who knows how long that will last? “Falling Down,” the violent drama starring Michael Douglas, certainly hasn’t been falling down the rental chart. It’s still at No. 3, with some retailers listing it as their top rental. The romantic comedy “Groundhog Day” seems to have burrowed into the top spot of the rental chart for a very long stay. But “Indecent Proposal,” which came out this week, may force “Groundhog Day” to relocate to a new

* This unusual Chuck Norris film, which grossed a fair $14.5 million in theaters, is more in the uplifting “Karate Kid” vein. But even though it’s not like his typical action movies, “Sidekicks” still premiered respectably, at No. 20, and could have a decent rental run. Norris has a higher profile now because of his TV series, which could translate into more rental transactions for this movie.

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1.”Groundhog Day” 1 6 2.”Point of No Return” 4 6 3.”Falling Down” 3 8 4.”Alive” 2 5 5.”Scent of a Woman” 5 10 6.”National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1” 6 3 7.”Aladdin” -- 1 8.”Chaplin” 7 4 9.’Sommersby” 9 9 10.”Benny & Joon” 10 8 *”Sidekicks” -- 1