our selection for Friday January 3

The programmers of the channels seem once again to be in need of inspiration… We escape with “The Snow Queen” ballet version or “Beauty and the Beast” animated, all is not lost!

The Great North on stage: “The Snow Queen”

Andersen's famous tale inspired a ballet which in turn became a classic, filmed, in this recording, at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées where the National Opera Ballet of Ukraine came, in December 2022. On Music by Grieg, Massenet or Berlioz, a festive spectacle, despite the war.

At 9:05 p.m. on France 5. Classical ballet (France, 2024). Music: Edvard Grieg, Jules Massenet, Jacques Offenbach, Johann Strauss fils, Hector Berlioz, Oleksiy Baklan, Viktor Ishchuk. By the Ukrainian National Opera Ballet. 1h40. Unpublished.

Disney style: “Beauty and the Beast”

Jean Cocteau's version, released in 1946, has remained unsurpassed by its realistic magic. Revisited by Disney, the same tale became this successful, less memorable animated film. But the technique is impeccable, and inspired sequences make for a drawn and musical spectacle that is often very attractive.

At 9:10 p.m. on M6. Animated film by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise (USA, 1992). Music: Alan Menken | 1h35. Rebroadcast.

You have to believe in a miracle: “Fairy in spite of himself”

Which third program on a free channel to choose this evening? The mission of this selection suddenly seems almost impossible, but we can let ourselves be tempted by this comedy where the big Dwayne Johnson becomes a little mouse… Otherwise, there is Alain Delon as Zorro (on TF1 Série Films), but it's still more risky.

At 9:05 p.m. on Gulli. Film by Michael Lembeck (USA, 2010). With Dwayne Johnson, Ashley Judd, Julie Andrews. 1h45. Rebroadcast.

BONUS

Coronation: “The Count of Monte Cristo”

Standard bearer of ambitious French cinema and great success of the past year, this adaptation of the novel by Alexandre Dumas arrives on the encrypted channel, but still remains visible in theaters, especially during the Télérama Cinema Festival, which will open on January 22.

At 9:10 p.m. on Canal+. Film by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière (France, 2024). According to Alexandre Dumas. With Pierre Niney, Anaïs Demoustier, Anamaria Vartolomei, Laurent Lafitte, Bastien Bouillon, Patrick Mille. 3:09. Unpublished.

And if you don't find what you're looking for… Check out tonight's TV schedule. Or dig into our platform guide to find a series, film or documentary in less than five minutes on Arte.tv, Netflix, Apple TV+, MyCanal, France.tv, Disney+…