National Video Rentals : ‘Cliffhanger’ Hangs On to the Top

“Cliffhanger” continues to hang tough at the top of the rental chart, fending off the hot holiday releases. But it may finally lose its grip on the top spot next week, with “Sleepless in Seattle” (No. 4) and “The Firm,” which premiered at No. 6, the most likely new chart leaders. Both are doing bang-up business, particularly “The Firm,” the thriller starring Tom Cruise that grossed a whopping $157 million in theaters. But in listing the candidates for No. 1, don’t rule out “Rising Sun,” which quietly rose another rung to No. 2. It’s not quite as high profile as “Sleepless” or “The Firm”--and didn’t make nearly as much money--but it’s the kind of big-star (Sean Connery and Wesley Snipes), lurid thriller that usually does well in the rental market. “Guilty as Sin,” the drama starring Don Johnson, moved up a notch to No. 10 and may climb a bit higher.

* “Dave,” the comedy starring Kevin Kline as a presidential look-alike, racked up a hefty $61-million theatrical gross and may soon rule the rental market. Some retailers are already reporting that it’s their top rental, though it only entered the chart at No. 14. Look for it to jump into the Top 5 next week.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1.”Cliffhanger” 1 6 2.”Rising Sun” 3 4 3.”Sliver” 2 7 4 .”Sleepless in Seattle” 6 2 5.”Made in America” 4 5 6.”The Firm” ... 1 7.”Free Willy” 5 7 8.”Indecent Proposal” 7 11 9.”Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story” 8 2 10.”Guilty as Sin” 11 2 * “Dave” ... 1