An exceptionally violent but often compelling animated prequel to Van Helsing--the critically-drubbed boxoffice smash--this half-hour tie-in, set just before Hugh Jackman's monster-hunting hero heads to Europe for battle with Count Dracula, finds him in London taking on Dr. Jekyll and the latter's formidable alter ego Mr. Hyde, as they attempt, rather bizarrely, to turn the 70-year-old Queen Victoria into a lovelorn girl again. Presented in the widescreen format with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, the animation here occasionally dazzles, particularly in a chase sequence involving out-of-control train cars, and it's fun to hear Jackman and other actors (Robbie Coltrane, David Wenham) from the feature lend voice to their cartoon equivalents. Still, one can't quite escape the feeling that this is primarily meant to drive audiences into the theaters to see the real thing. DVD extras include a “Behind the Screams” segment on the feature film, a “making of” plug for the Van Helsing video game, and the featurette “Animatic to Animation,” which takes a look at the animation process for The London Assignment. Optional. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)
Van Helsing: The London Assignment
(2004) 33 min. DVD: $14.98. Universal Studios Home Video (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. ISBN: 0-7832-8871-9. July 12, 2004
Van Helsing: The London Assignment
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