National Video Rentals : Crowded Field Gets More Crowded

“The Fugitive,” debuting on the rental chart at No. 5, may soon chase “In the Line of Fire” on the heels of Tommy Lee Jones’ best supporting actor win. “The Fugitive,” which grossed a whopping $180.6 million in theaters, would have entered at No. 1 if it were available exclusively as a rental. But it’s also priced for the sales market, available for $15-$17 in many outlets. Don’t rule out second-place “Demolition Man” in the race for the top of the chart, which would be a shoo-in if not for the tough competition. “The Good Son,” the thriller starring Macaulay Culkin, debuted at No. 7. It did fairly well in theaters--$44.4 million--even with normally spunky hero Culkin playing against type as the villain. Fans who like Mike Myers in the “Wayne’s World” movies may be inspired to see him in the wacky “So I Married an Axe Murderer,” although moviegoers certainly didn’t care about the film--accounting for its paltry $7.3-million gross. Though it’s off to a slow start, debuting at No. 29, it may find an audience on home video.

Woody Allen’s witty “Manhattan Murder Mystery,” featuring Diane Keaton, debuted at No. 30. It won’t be a huge home-video hit, but his loyal followers--mostly sophisticated big-city dwellers--should love it, especially those who are starved for an old-fashioned Allen comedy. “Manhattan Murder Mystery” appealed to his movie-going fans to the tune of a $10.5-million gross, a disappointment for an Allen movie.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1.”In the Line of Fire” 1 5 2.”Demolition Man” 3 2 3.”Striking Distance” 4 2 4.”The Man Without a Face” 2 4 5.”The Fugitive” ... 1 6.”The Program” 5 4 7.”The Good Son” ... 1 8.”Son-in-Law” 8 3 9.”Sleepless in Seattle” 6 13 10.”For Love or Money” 12 3 *”Manhattan Murder Mystery” ... 1

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.