National Video Rentals : ‘Basic Instinct’ Still the Killer

“Batman Returns,” entrenched in the second spot again, still hasn’t been able to topple “Basic Instinct,” the rental chart champ for the past three weeks. According to some retailers, the racy “Instinct” is likely to rule for a few more weeks. “Deep Cover,” the violent urban thriller starring Larry Fishburne, did fair box-office business ($16.6 million). It’s off to a fair start in the home video market too, entering at No. 13. “K2,” the cliffhanger about mountain climbing, premiered at No. 18.

* With the holidays coming up, look for “Sister Act,” which grossed $132.3 million at the box office, to be a huge home video hit. Many retailers predict this feel-good comedy, about a lounge singer (Whoopi Goldberg) stuck in a nunnery, will be big among families with children 12 and up. It entered the chart at No. 32 and should easily make the Top 10 next week. Priced at $20, it will be big in the sales market too.

National Video Rentals

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1.”Basic Instinct” 1 4 2.”Batman Returns” 2 3 3.”Beauty and the Beast” 4 3 4.”My Cousin Vinny” 3 6 5.”Cutting Edge” 6 3 6.”Thunderheart” 5 4 7.”Beethoven” 7 7 8.”Fried Green Tomatoes” 9 12 9.”Final Analysis” 10 11 10.”The Babe” 8 3 * “Sister Act” 1

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.