VIDEO RENTALS : ‘Abyss’ Rising to the Top

“The Abyss,” which some skeptics thought might sink in the rental market, is swimming along quite nicely so far, floating up to No. 4 this week on the Billboard rental chart. How long it will stay afloat against that strong Top Five competition is anybody’s guess. As expected, “Dead Poets Society” took over the top spot, but it may not have a long reign. “Shirley Valentine” entered the chart at No. 27. This small, acclaimed movie that may do well--possibly Top 15 or Top 10--thanks to the attention it received because of star Pauline Collins’ best-actress nomination. The big draw in the violent thriller “Johnny Handsome” isn’t star Mickey Rourke but both Morgan Freeman--of “Driving Miss Daisy” and “Glory”--and Ellen Barkin, famed for “Sea of Love.” Though it grossed just $6.6 million, with such star-power, this movie has Top 10 rental potential.

* Last year’s surprise smash, this romantic comedy--featuring John Travolta, Kirstie Alley and a smart-aleck baby (the voice of Bruce Willis)--grossed more than $128 million at the box office. It’s already a rental smash, debuting at No. 6.

Ranking Weeks Ranking 2 Weeks On Rental Top Rentals Last Week Ago Chart 1. “Dead Poets Society” (Touchstone) 3 9 4 2. “Field of Dreams” (MCA) 2 1 6 3. “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” (Disney) 1 2 6 4. “The Abyss” (CBS-Fox) 8 -15 3 5. “Parenthood” (MCA) 4 3 10 * “Look Who’s Talking” (RCA/Columbia) ... ... 1