National Video Rentals : ‘Firm’ Still Gets the Most Clients

Rental chart leader “The Firm” continues to hold off “Sleepless in Seattle” (No. 2) and “Dave” (No. 3), though various retailers report that in their stores “Sleepless” and “Dave” are the top rentals. Part of the dominance of “The Firm” is due to repeat business--which in turn is largely due to the appeal of star Tom Cruise to female fans. Don’t be surprised if “Sleepless” and “Dave” spend their Top 5 tenures playing second fiddle to “The Firm.” “Heart and Souls,” the Robert Downey Jr. comedy aimed at the “Ghost” audience, did fair box-office business ($16.4 million) and was expected to be a strong rental attraction--but hasn’t been so far. It opened at No. 16 last week and then climbed to No. 14. “Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday” premiered at No. 26 and should do good business among fans of gory horror movies.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1. “The Firm” 1 5 2. “Sleepless in Seattle” 2 6 3. “Dave” 3 5 4. “Rising Sun” 4 8 5. “Cliffhanger” 5 10 6. “Hot Shots! Part Deux” 7 3 7. “True Romance” 8 3 8. “Guilty as Sin” 9 4 9. “Hocus Pocus” 12 3 10. “Sliver” 6 11 * “Menace II Society” 18 2

* “Menace II Society,” which seemed like a shoo-in for the Top 10, entered the rental chart last week at No. 18 but moved up just two notches to No. 16 this week. You’d expect a stronger performance from a movie that grossed nearly $28 million and got so many rave reviews. One theory is that lack of star power--the major roles are played by unknowns--is hampering its rental market performance in some areas.

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.