• "House of Strangers" (Fox, 1949, not rated, b/w, $14.98). A sadistic banker (Edward G. Robinson) alienates his three sons who work for him, and when he gets into trouble for illegal practices, they turn on him. But a fourth son, an attorney (Richard Conte), supports his father and vows to get back at his brothers. Fine melodrama with excellent performances all around, including Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Luther Adler and Paul Valentine as the other sons, and Susan Hayward. (DVD debut.)

Extras: Full frame, audio commentary, poster/photo galleries, trailer, subtitle options (English, Spanish), chapters.

• "Plunder of the Sun" (Paramount, 1953, not rated, b/w, $26.95). Glenn Ford is sturdy as an insurance adjuster who agrees to smuggle a package from Havana to Mexico, but when the client is murdered, Ford decides to keep the package and go for the big bucks. Enjoyable crime drama is marred by rushed wrap-up at the end. Diana Lynn and Patricia Medina as femme fatales, and Sean McClory as a villain are all good. (Home video debut.)

Extras: Full frame, audio commentary, featurettes, trailer, photo gallery, optional English subtitles, chapters.

• "Man in the Vault" (Paramount, 1956, not rated, b/w, $26.95). Pretty good zero-budget thriller with twists and turns as a reluctant locksmith (William Campbell) is forced to make keys for the theft of $200,000 from a safe deposit box. When he decides to keep the money himself, it only leads to more trouble. Good supporting cast includes Anita Ekberg and Gonzales Gonzales, who gained some fame on Groucho Marx's "You Bet Your Life," which he jokes about here. (Home video debut.)

Extras: Widescreen, optional English subtitles, chapters.

• "Track of the Cat" (Paramount, 1954, not rated, $26.95). Here's another one filmed in Utah, a slow, low-key thriller with stalwart Robert Mitchum trying to kill the title predator while his family bickers in a snowbound cabin. Teresa Wright, Tab Hunter, Beulah Bondi co-star. (Home video debut.)

Extras: Widescreen, audio commentary, featurettes, trailer, photo gallery, optional English subtitles, chapters.

• "Ring of Fear" (Paramount, 1954, not rated, $26.95). This murder mystery is most notable as a novelty. Author Mickey Spillane (who wrote the "Mike Hammer" books) plays himself, investigating "accidents" at Clyde Beatty's circus (a real circus at the time). Filmed in color and in CinemaScope. Pat O'Brien co-stars. (Home video debut.)

Extras: Widescreen, optional English subtitles, chapters.

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E-mail: hicks@desnews.com