The first picture sure makes the screen looked curved like a CRT. I was thinking the same thing. I could see this happening on a CRT, but on an LCD, it's probably the video cable or, hate to say it, the motherboard.
an LCD is one part that i really always recommend people not try to fix. there's not a lot that you can do, except for damage it past repair... i'm afraid i can't tell you how much it will be, it depends entirely on what part is broken and where you go. i wish you luck tho--