Has there ever been a theaterical sequel to a direct to video film?

[odiin]

I was reading the thread about the Bats DTV and it got me thinking about this. Tons of films get quick DTV cash-in sequels that are almost always crap, but has there ever been a DTV that ended up so well and having a large enough fan base that the film studio saw fit to greenlight a sequel for theatrical release? I can't think of any myself but I'm sure it's had to happen at least once.

 

[Octoberist]

If there isn't, I would like to break new ground in Hollywood by the first director to so!

 

[Rac]

High School Musical 3

EDIT: Nah, the first were TV-movies, not DTV.

 

[Rac]

Ah! The original Grudge was DTV movie!

Ju-on (2000) (DTV)
Ju-on 2 (2000) (Theatrical)
Ju-on: The Grudge (2003) (Theatrical)
Ju-on: The Grudge 2 (2003) (Theatrical)
Ju-on: The Grudge 3 (2008) (Theatrical)

 

[odiin]

Ah! The original Grudge was DTV movie!

Ju-on (2000) (DTV)
Ju-on 2 (2000) (Theatrical)
Ju-on: The Grudge (2003) (Theatrical)
Ju-on: The Grudge 2 (2003) (Theatrical)
Ju-on: The Grudge 3 (2008) (Theatrical)

Well that was quick.

thread=over.

You win.

 

[Iron_Stark]

Any American made though?

 

[DocHoliday]

I was told Evil Dead was a direct to video that got so popular it got a theatrical run at the Grindhouses and whatnot.