Wake Up And Smell The Garlic

By Desa Philadelphia; Jeffrey Ressner

Buffy the Vampire Slayer left the air last year, but the blood-sucking demons hunted by Buffy are still hot media properties. Two major films featuring vampires should swoop into theaters this year. And both a DVD collection and a Broadway show are on their way. Although some vampire projects have been staked in the heart (like the Broadway mega-flop Dance of the Vampires), fans still seem batty for the genre. Here's what's coming. --By Desa Philadelphia and Jeffrey Ressner

VAN HELSING Hugh Jackman stars as Bram Stoker's relentless monster killer who, with vampire hunter Anna Valerious (Kate Beckinsale), is out to snuff Dracula and other miscreations.

DRACULA: THE LEGACY COLLECTION The double-DVD collection, due this month, not only includes five Dracula films but also boasts an alternate music track by avant-garde composer Philip Glass.

THE VAMPIRE LESTAT Elton John and Bernie Taupin are developing a Broadway musical based on Anne Rice's novels. Look for the opening next year.

BLADE: TRINITY Wesley Snipes' Blade is the half man/half vampire who hunts the undead. Part III will hit theaters in December, and Blade's target this time is Dracula.

UNDERWORLD 2 Sexy Selene (Kate Beckinsale, again) will return in this vampire sequel to last year's Underworld. Production begins this September.