Like The Matrix franchise before it, the Batman franchise is kicking into full gear for Christopher Nolan's incoming prequel sequel, The Dark Knight. The trailer for the direct-to-DVD Batman: Gotham Knight has been released. The animated feature (like the Animatrix) takes place between the events of Batman Begins and this year's live action The Dark Knight feature.

The DVD is set to hit stores 10 days before the release of The Dark Knight.

Acclaimed screenwriter including David Goyer (Batman Begins), Josh Olson (A History Of Violence) and Alan Burnett (Batman The Animated Series) join forces with revered animation filmmakers on six spellbinding chapters chronicling Batman's transition from novice crimefighter to The Dark Knight. These globe-spanning adventures pit batman against the fearsome Scarecrow, the freakish Killer Croc and the unerring marksman Deadshot.

Check out the trailer above.