In what is possibly the fastest theatrical-to-television turnaround ever, Sylvain Chomet’s Les Triplettes De Belleville (or in the UK, Belleville Rendezvous) will be shown on the BBC (who part funded the film) as part of their New Year’s Eve programming. Belleville, which is screening on BBC2 at 2.30pm, was premiered this year at Cannes and has only just made its American debut, after being released in Britain in September. At a time when, traditionally, the five big UK networks bring out their biggest film purchases to beat the competition, this season will be a fun one for animation fans in particular! Apart from the somewhat surprise announcement of Belleville, there’s a chance to see some other rare and favorite movies again. We’ve complied a list of animation/effects-related films that UK viewers can see over the holidays here:
December 22
The Adventures Of Elmo In Grouchland – 7.40am, C4
Blinky Bill – 8.30am, C5
The Second Star To The Left – 10am, BBC1
December 23
Rolie Polie Olie: The Baby Bot Chase – 8.30am, C4
Santa Claus: The Movie – 11.15am, BBC1
The Magic Pudding – 1.40pm, BBC1
Cabin Boy (producer: Tim Burton, 1994) – 12.40am, ITV1
December 24
A Goofy Movie – 1.50am, BBC1
The Santa Clause – 12.00pm, BBC1
The Road To El Dorardo – 1.55pm, BBC1
The Snowman (featurette) – 2.55pm, C4
101 Dalmatians (live-action) – 3.15pm, BBC1
Chicken Run – 6.15pm, BBC1
Christmas Day
Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer (1998) – 7.25am, C4
The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (Melendez, 1979) – 11.30am, ITV1
Oliver! (live-action musical) – 12.20pm, C4
The Tigger Movie – 12.40pm, BBC1
Stuart Little – 4.25pm, BBC1
Boxing Day
Rudolph And The Island Of Misfit Toys – 7.10am, C4
Doug’s 1st Movie – 10.05am, ITV1
The Adventures Of Rocky And Bullwinkle – 12.55pm, BBC1
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace – 2.30pm, ITV1
The Wizard Of Oz – 2.45pm, BBC1
Mulan (Disney) – 5.05pm, BBC1
December 27
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (likely to be edited for content) – 2.10pm, BBC1
Wakko’s Wish (feature-length Animaniacs) – 5.20pm, C5
Galaxy Quest – 6.15pm, BBC1
The 100 Greatest Musicals (TV special, Part 1) – 9.00pm, C4
December 28
Around The World In 80 Days (Jules Verne adventure, 1956) – 2.55pm, BBC2
The 100 Greatest Musicals (TV special, Part 2) – 9.00pm, C4
Cast Away (director: Robert Zemeckis) – 9.00pm, BBC1
Joe’s Apartment – 12.45am, ITV1
December 29
Rocket To The Moon (Jules Verne comedy, 1967) – 7.15am, C4
December 30
Tintin: The Calculus Affair – 8.30am, C5
Honey, I Shrunk The Kids – 12.45pm, BBC1
New Year’s Eve
Tintin: Prisoners Of The Sun – 8.30am, C5
James And The Giant Peach – 11am, BBC1
It’s A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie – 2.15pm, BBC1
Belleville Rendezvous – 2.30pm, BBC2
All Dogs Go To Heaven 2 – 3.10pm, ITV1
The Towering Inferno – 6.05pm, C4
New Year’s Day
The Muppets Take Manhattan – 7.15am, C4
Tintin And The Lake Of Sharks – 8.30am, C5
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) – 9.30am, ITV1
Thomas And The Magic Railroad – 11am, BBC1
The Sound Of Music – 12.40pm, BBC1
The Flintstones (live-action) – 4.10pm, ITV1
January 2
An American Tail – 3.10pm, ITV1
2001: A Space Odyssey – 11.30pm, ITV1
Bear in mind that these early schedules are subject to change, and that some slots that have not been filled yet may eventually feature more animation-related films and specials. Keep an eye on local TV listings for full information and late changes. Happy viewing!
