UNIVERSAL STUDIOS Legendary 'Van Helsing' hits DVD

Van Helsing has to defeat Dracula.
By TRACY L. SCOTT
WASHINGTON POST
Buffy may slay vampires in Sunnydale, but this Halloween the legendary Van Helsing travels to Transylvania to challenge the most popular vampire of all, Dracula.
"Van Helsing" is available this week from Universal Studios (DVD $29.98).
The DVD bonus features include a look behind the scenes, an examination of the special effects, an Xbox game, commentaries, outtakes and a featurette that explores the evolution of Van Helsing throughout film history.
The story follows monster hunter Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) as he tries to help family members desperate to free themselves from a curse. However, that can be done only by defeating Dracula.
Classic characters
The movie brings together classic horror characters Dracula, Frankenstein's monster and Mr. Hyde.
Post movie critic Desson Thomson described the movie as the "ultimate clash" between "a good story and in-your-face special effects."
"Writer-director Stephen Sommers has created a special-effects extravaganza that uses the barest of excuses to bring these characters together," Thomson wrote.
Kate Beckinsale and Richard Roxburgh co-star in the PG-13 film.