VIDEO RENTALS : ‘Ernest’ and ‘Henry’ Hit the Chart

Finally realizing its No. 1 potential, “Another 48 HRS.,” the violent sequel starring Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte, powered its way past “Pretty Woman” (No. 3) and “Total Recall” (No. 2), taking over the top spot of the Billboard magazine rental chart. “Pretty Woman” and “Total Recall” may have exhausted their appeal in the rental market. Both are available for sale--discounted down to the $17-$20 range--which has undoubtedly cut into their rental market business and reduced the length of their reign in the Top Five. If those two slip further, “Bird on a Wire”--No. 4--may finally challenge for the No.1 spot. Kenneth Branagh’s “Henry V” entered the chart at No. 22.

Ranking Ranking 2 Weeks Top Rentals Last Week Ago 1. “Another 48 HRS.” (Paramount) 3 6 2. “Total Recall” (Carolco) 1 2 3. “Pretty Woman” (Touchstone) 2 1 4. “Bird on a Wire” (MCA/Universal) 4 5 5. “The Hunt for Red October” (Paramount) 5 3 * “Ernest Goes to Jail” (Touchstone) ... ...

Weeks On Rental Top Rentals Chart 1. “Another 48 HRS.” (Paramount) 4 2. “Total Recall” (Carolco) 6 3. “Pretty Woman” (Touchstone) 9 4. “Bird on a Wire” (MCA/Universal) 4 5. “The Hunt for Red October” (Paramount) 7 * “Ernest Goes to Jail” (Touchstone) 1

* Ernest P. Worrell, the lovable boob who’s a favorite of the kiddies, is back with another brainless family comedy, “Ernest Goes to Jail,” which entered the chart at No. 15. Very quietly, the Ernest series, starring Jim Varney, makes good money. This one grossed $25 million. Silly fare like this, which is suitable for the whole family, should do well in the holiday rental market.