National Video Rentals : ‘Cliffhanger’ Ready to Scale Heights

“Cliffhanger,” featuring Sylvester Stallone battling bad guys high in the mountains, debuted at No. 8. Strong word-of-mouth about the hair-raising sequences should help this box-office hit ($80-million gross) scale the chart--and maybe even reach the top. Moving up a notch to No. 2 was “Sliver,” starring Sharon Stone. With its soft-core porn scenes, it is hardly family fare although it fared well in the rental market during the recent holiday. “Sliver” or “Cliffhanger” may unseat “Indecent Proposal” before “Sleepless in Seattle” and “The Firm” take over the charts by mid-month. Some retailers reported that “Free Willy,” which bounded from No. 39 to No. 6, was their top rental. If it weren’t also available in the sales market--priced at $15 to $20 in most places--it would easily be the No. 1 rental overall. “Posse”--the black Western that many retailers report is doing exceptional business among black renters--continues to ride high at No. 4 and could stay in the Top 5 for the next week or two. “Cop and a Half,” the Burt Reynolds action comedy, which has been doing disappointing business so far, dropped two notches to No. 15.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1. “Indecent Proposal” 1 6 2. “Sliver” 3 2 3. “Dennis the Menace” 2 4 4. “Posse” 4 4 5. “Born Yesterday” 5 4 6. “Free Willy” 39 2 7. “The Sandlot” 7 5 8. “Cliffhanger” 1 9. “Groundhog Day” 8 14 10. “Point of No Return” 9 13 * “Lost in Yonkers” 1

* “Lost in Yonkers,” adapted from Neil Simon’s play and starring Mercedes Ruehl and Richard Dreyfuss, didn’t do that well in theaters ($9.1-million gross) but it’s the kind of family drama that may have appeal this time of year. It debuted at No. 23 and probably won’t make the Top 10 but could reach that zone just beneath it.

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.