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There's no rest for the weary or the undead or even the extremely ugly creatures that wish they were dead. This prequel to "Van Helsing" focuses on the title characters assignment of dispatching Mr. Hyde. This prequel isn't quite complete, though, as Van Helsing must complete what he starts here in the beginning of the theatrical film. A bit of background is in order. Van Helsing isn't the vampire hunter from Stoker's book or even the various films. No, instead he's a combination of James Bond and Wolverine from the X-Men. Yes, you heard me right. He's got a whole bunch of wonderful medieval gadgets. Yes, he's even got his own Q to explain how everything works. Only this time he works for the Vatican killing monsters that want to undermine humanity and God. Oh, and did I mention that he's several hundred years old and can't remember where he came from? Confused? Well you have every right to be and this animation prequel, like the theatrical film, will answer far more questions than you asked. ***

"The London Assignment" doesn't have a rating but I'd get it a solid PG-13 for violence and blood. It's a swift, entertaining 30 minute thrill ride unlike the two and a half hour monstrosity. Truthfully, "Van Helsing" the theatrical film (which really is little more than the prequel for the ride that will probably open at Universal Studios within the year) has a campy charm all its own. Unfortunately, it doesn't have much of a story or characters going for it. Unlike Sommers' campy but fun "Mummy" pictures, "Van Helsing" the film collapses under its own ponderous weight. Luckily, the animated prequel is brief and to the point and, in many respects, is better than the film it serves as an advertisement for. ---

Surprisingly, Universal has been quite generous with the extras given that this is only a 33 minute short film. Ahhh, but let's not forget that the extras provide additional advertising for the film. There's a monster in their madness. We get the provocatively titled "Van Helsing: 'Behind the Screams'". This exclusive behind the scenes peak into the film is hosted by actress Josie Maran who plays one of Dracula's brides in the film. We take a look at Sommers on the set of the film, Jackman and other actors both in and out of character during the shoot. My guess is that some variation of this will be included on the DVD of "Van Helsing" this Summer. ***

Actually "The Van Helsing Game" blows away the film. The graphics are sharp and imaginative and it's direct, potent action outpaces the bloated, overblown almost operatic action of the theatrical film. Why do I bring this up? Because we get a nice glimpse into the making of the game. Another tie in but one that's for a product actually superior to the film that inspired it (or perhaps it really was the other way around). ***

Finally we get a section that compares the animatic to animated sequences in the film. Animated short seen here. It's a nice feature that you won't watch more than once or twice. It demonstrates how carefully thought out and visualized this 33 minute anime short was from inception. We get a glimpse at some of four of the best sequences in the film. ---