Teaser DVDs: According to Variety, Studios are increasingly using DVD to push promotional programming to consumers in advance of theatrical sequels and franchise films.

Last year Warner Home Video released a collection of original shorts on DVD called The Animatrix that were timed to the theatrical release of The Matrix Reloaded.

This summer DreamWorks distributor Universal Studios Home Video will release DVD premiere programs tied to two of its summer theatrical releases:

"Van Helsing: The London Assignment," an animated prequel featuring the voice of Van Helsing star Hugh Jackman, is coming to DVD on May 11, the Tuesday following the theatrical debut of the live-action sci-fi thriller.

The animated "The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury," featuring the voice of The Chronicles of Riddick star Vin Diesel, is coming to DVD June 15, the Tuesday following the theatrical debut of the live-action sci-fi adventure.

Van Helsing was released May 7th, 2004 and stars Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, Richard Roxburgh, David Wenham, Shuler Hensley, Elena Anaya, Will Kemp, Kevin J. O'Connor. The film is directed by Stephen Sommers.

The Chronicles of Riddick was released June 11th, 2004 and stars Vin Diesel, Colm Feore, Thandie Newton, Judi Dench, Karl Urban, Alexa Davalos, Linus Roache, Yorick van Wageningen. The film is directed by David Twohy.