‘Aladdin’ Flies Carpet to Top Spot

Despite its grip on the No. 1 spot in the sales market, “Aladdin” still has strong appeal to renters too--strong enough for it to also be rental ruler, pulling off a rare chart-topping double. Reaching the top of the rental chart is quite an achievement for a movie that does most of its business in the sales market. But “Aladdin” shouldn’t get too comfy on the rental throne. “Indecent Proposal,” which debuted at No. 8, may take over in the next two weeks. Starring Robert Redford and Demi Moore, this soap opera about a romantic triangle was big box office--$101.3-million gross. Many retailers are reporting that it’s their No. 1 rental already. Part of its success is due to simple lack of competition. There have hardly been any top-line adult-oriented movies debuting on home video in recent weeks. So if you wanted a hot new rental, “Indecent Proposal” has virtually been the only game in town.

* “The Bodyguard,” the romantic thriller starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, has been around since July but, at No. 15, is still doing better rental business than many newer releases. The only thing that may erode its rental appeal is the tape’s availability in the sales market--which happens on Nov. 23, at $20.

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.

National Video Rentals

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1. “Aladdin” 2 3 2. “Point of No Return’ 2 7 3. “Groundhog Day” 1 8 4. “Falling Down” 4 10 5. “Alive” 5 7 6. “National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1” 6 5 7. “Scent of a Woman” 7 12 8. “Indecent Proposal” ... 1 9. “Fire in the Sky” 9 5 10. “Chaplin” 8 6 * “The Bodyguard” 12 15