Culture Jamming: F.E.A.R. Factor

A Pants-soiling Videogame Tops This Week's Picks

TOP PICK

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin

(Warner Bros. Interactive)

Ambiance is everything in this spooky videogame shooter (for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) about a girl with deadly psychic skills. Watch out for the vengeful poltergeists lurking in the abandoned subways, hospitals and labs. And be sure to take advantage of the special power that slows down time. It helps when a bunch of enemy soldiers are heading your way.

DVD

Amadeus -

Director's Cut

(Warner)

Milos Forman's Oscar-hogging Mozart biopic celebrates its 25th anniversary with a Blu-ray release that includes a half-hour's worth of deleted and extended scenes. The movie remains a near-perfect portrait of obsession and how it destructively consumes two men - Mozart and jealous rival Salieri. A bonus disc includes the composer's greatest hits.

CD

Golem

Citizen Boris

(JDub)

These Gypsy punks from New York sometimes sing in Yiddish, write songs inspired by their great-grandmothers, and totally rock the trombone and accordion. This mostly original collection sounds like an old-country party, where horny and boozing relatives take over the dance floor, leaving it a sticky, slippery mess.

DVD

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa: Move It! Move It! Double DVD Pack

(DreamWorks Animation)

Last year's hit CGI talking-animal movie has its moments, especially when Sacha Baron Cohen's self-centered lemur is unchained. But the real stars are the take-command, smartass penguins - who get an entire second disc to themselves. Good news: It includes two episodes of the upcoming Penguins of Madagascar TV show. Better news: no David Schwimmer!

CD

Anya Marina

Slow & Steady Seduction: Phase II

(Chop Shop)

This Grey's Anatomy-approved singer - a San Diego-based radio-station DJ - makes frisky, spiky indie-pop on her debut album. No surprise, since Spoon's Britt Daniel helps out. But the sexy purrs are all Marina's, especially the song inspired by Carl Jung and the one where she sings "I like it out of control."