Backlight bleeding is a known issue with LCD monitors. Less expensive ones using TN panels seem to suffer more bleeding than more expensive models. Based on what I've seen monitors based on S-PVA, P-MVA and IPS panels suffers less backlight bleeding, but are more expensive. The 22" LCD market is flooded with TN panels. I only know of two specific monitor that use S-PVA panels: Lenovo L220X and HP LP2275w. Eizo's line of 22" also uses S-PVA, but are geared towards professional use and priced accordingly.
You can try to exchange it, but chances are you next monitor will be similar. Not worth doing if you need to ship it back.
The only suggestion is to play around with brightness and contrast to minimize the backlight bleeding. Another suggestion is to have some low level ambient light when watching a movie in the dark.