A brief look at new and noteworthy experiences among DVDs, video games, gadgets and the Web.

DVD A TRULY TERRIFYING NIGHT

Don't heed the negative reviews from the theatrical run of "The Strangers." It's not a critics' picture. It's not even really a horror movie -- more like a terror film, as one of the filmmakers says on today's DVD and Blu-ray disc (Universal, $30-$40). Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman star as a couple whose lives become a living hell after a mysterious knock at the front door at 4 a.m. What follows is an unrelenting display of things that go bump in the night as three masked strangers give a new meaning to "home invasion." Is "The Strangers" derivative? Yes. Are there lapses in logic? Sure. Will you be on edge for hours after watching it? Most definitely.

Also out today: "According to Jim" (Season 1), "Dynasty" (Season 3, Vol. 2), "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed," "Family Guy" (Vol. 6), "The Incredible Hulk" (2008 film; Season 5 of TV series), "James Bond Blu-ray" (six films), "Looney Tunes: Golden Collection" (Vol. 6), "The Man From UNCLE" (full series), "Route 66" (Season 2), "Warner Gangsters Collection" (Vol. 4).

GAME THIS ONE'S A REAL SCREAM

Combine the mutant attacks of "Resident Evil," the game-play mechanics of "Halo" and the creepy atmosphere of "BioShock," and you have a spot-on amalgamation of "Dead Space" ($60 for Xbox 360 and PS3, $50 for PC; rated Mature). It's the best new survival-horror game in years. As engineer Isaac Clarke, you must explore the dark and dank passageways of a derelict spaceship to find out what happened to the crew. The answer probably lies in the bloodthirsty creatures crawling out of every air vent. To disable them, you'll need to blow off their limbs with your weapons. It isn't pretty, but it is wildly addictive.

RANDY A. SALAS

SATISFY YOUR INNER GEEK

Get daily technology news and musings from Randy Salas at startribune.com/technobabble.