National Video Rentals : ‘Firm’ Not Losing Sleep Over ‘Seattle’

“Sleepless in Seattle” is trying to loosen the firm grip of “The Firm” on the rental chart’s No. 1 position, but no luck so far. At just about any other time, “Sleepless,” starring Tom Hanks, would own the top spot. But there are just too many Tom Cruise and/or John Grisham fans in the rental market. “Dave,” the Kevin Kline comedy, also has No. 1 potential that may never be realized because of the competition. It climbed two more notches to No. 3 but will have trouble moving any higher. The sun appears to have set on “Rising Sun’s” chances at No. 1. It peaked at No. 2 and could never sneak past the December chart leader “Cliffhanger.” Two newcomers--”Heart and Souls” (No. 14) and “Menace II Society” (No. 18)--should do strong rental business.

* This must be freewheeling parody month on home video. Another one of those gag-a-second comedies, “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” just came out, on the heels of “Hot Shots! Part Deux,” which is No. 7 after two weeks. Mel Brooks’ “Robin” made $35.3 million at the box office and should easily be a Top 10 rental. It’s off to a good start, entering at No. 14. Source: Billboard Publications Inc.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1.”The Firm” 1 4 2.”Sleepless in Seattle” 2 5 3.”Dave” 5 4 4.”Rising Sun” 3 7 5.”Cliffhanger” 4 9 6.”Sliver” 6 10 7.”Hot Shots! Part Deux” 12 2 8.”True Romance” 13 2 9.”Guilty as Sin” 8 5 10. “Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story” 9 5 *”Robin Hood: Men in Tights” ... 1