National Video Rentals : ‘Cliffhanger’ Finally Takes a Plunge

After hanging on precariously to the top rental spot, warding off the strong challenges of “The Firm” and “Sleepless in Seattle” over the holidays, “Cliffhanger” finally toppled--all the way to No. 4. But it sure had an impressive run. Few industry observers figured it would outduel “The Firm” and “Sleepless in Seattle” for as long as it did. Look out for “Dave,” the Kevin Kline comedy about the presidential look-alike, which is starting to make a move. “Dave” jumped from No. 9 to No. 5 and should climb a few more rungs next week. “True Romance,” the violent drama starring Christian Slater, debuted at No. 13. Though not a big box-office hit ($11.5-million gross), the lure of Slater--plus a strong supporting cast--should make “Romance” popular among late teens and twentysomething renters. “Hocus Pocus,” which grossed nearly $40 million, entered at No. 14 and has a good shot at making the Top 5.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1.”The Firm” 4 3 2.”Sleepless in Seattle” 3 4 3.”Rising Sun” 2 6 4.”Cliffhanger” 1 8 5.”Dave” 9 3 6.”Sliver” 5 9 7.”MadeinAmerica” 6 7 8.”Guilty as Sin” 10 4 9.”Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story” 8 4 10.”Indecent Proposal” * “Hot Shots! Part Deux” - 1

* This freewheeling parody, starring Charlie Sheen, opened at No. 12 and will easily shoot into the Top 10. This kind of comedy, with its scatter-gun, non-stop humor, is big among renters. “Hot Shots” was a box-office hot shot too, raking in $38.6 million.

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.