How do you delete a movie from a local computer without deleting it from the library? This should be such a simple procedure, but it's not. And while we're at it, why is iTunes NOT one of the dropdown product choices?

I own the movies and I want them to stay in my iTunes library basically forever.

...

But in both cases the file name no longer shows in the movie list, so I don't know how to re-download it from the Cloud.

iTunes prefs > Store > Show iTunes in the Cloud purchases.

This will show all your iTunes purchases in your library with a cloud icon down arrow. Click the icon to redownload or click on Play to stream without downloading.

Also see this , -> Download past purchases

and techncially, you don't "own" the movie, You simply have a license to use it.

Yet the first thing iTunes does when you hit the delete key is tell you that it will remove the movie forever from all devices and the library.

Actually, no it does not tell you that.

FYI: You should keep copies of all yoru iTnue spurahses as the labels/movie studios/copyright owners can pull their product at anytime and it won't be available to redownload.

Suggestions here -> http://www.apple.com/feedback/

Just to add what I think is clarification:

iTunes Library refers to the storage on the device used with iTunes (Library on Device, Library on computer, etc).

iTunes in the Cloud - is the history of purchases which you can redownload from - As Chris stated, as long as the media is still available in the iTunes store.

If you are running low on storage on your laptop, why not use an External drive to store the files? This is a good practice, as it allows you to keep everything local (not cloud based, or requiring a data connection)

Regarding the bonus content - That may be what is no longer available in the iTunes store, or it could require redownloading the parent content (the main part of the media) to be available (Comes in a package).

If you have problems with content you purchased, you can always reach out to the iTunes store support personnel.

http://www.apple.com/lae/support/itunes/contact/

@4rev127

Here are the steps to delete the downloaded version of the movie off your local hard drive, but keep the iCloud version available in iTunes (note: I’m running iTunes version 12.1.2):

1. Launch iTunes

2. Goto iTunes (menu) —> Preferences —> Store (tab)

3. Make sure “Show iTunes in the Cloud purchases” is CHECKED

4. In iTunes click on the Filmstrip Icon for your Movies list

5. In iTunes click on the “My Movies” tab

6. Right-Click or Control-Click on the movie you want to delete from your local drive

7. From the context menu choose “DELETE”

8. Make sure “Also hide this movie in iCloud” is UNCHECKED

9. Click “Delete Movie” button

10. Next choose, “Move to Trash”

11. Finder —> Empty Trash (to free-up your hard drive space)

The movie title card will still be shown in the iTunes movie list, but it will now have the small iCloud icon (in the bottom-right corner). You can click that cloud icon if you ever want to re-download the movie file back to your local hard drive.

NOTE 1: I have heard that sometimes movies and TV episodes get pulled from iTunes, so before you delete the m4v movie file, you may want to burn a copy to an external DVD-R.

NOTE 2: Sometimes there are multiple versions of the movie with smaller file sizes if you also have the movie stored on your iPhone or iPad. You can also choose to delete the movie from your mobile device if you desire.

If you want to see all the versions of the movie that are saved to your local hard disk drive (or SSD), or you would like to burn a backup copy, then follow this path in the Finder…

Username —> Music —> iTunes —> iTunes Media —> Movies

Then, just look inside each movie folder to see other versions, movie extras, etc.

robertswww wrote:

some stuff

Note that you responded to an 15 month old post which already had the correct info..

You original post is dated BUT thank you so very much for articulating what is in my head. I have been so tempted to think something is wrong with me. I have a doctorate degree and cannot grasp how iTunes really works. This is especially true where manipulating content and data is concerned. I keep feeling like someone does NOT want me to even use the software NOR the media I have already purchased. Apple attracted me many years ago from the PC world because of its claim to simplicity. So much for this concept. Your post/blog is right on. It should receive a Pulitzer mention or something! You're my new best friend!

I'm not certain about iTunes for Windows, but if you purchased a movie, song, show, you can remove the local copy by simply right clicking and selecting "Remove Download" instead of "Delete". If you try to play it, it'll automatically start downloading it again. You will immediately regain your hard disk space.

(cloud icon will appear on the bottom right)

For the record, I'm running iTunes 12.3.0.44. I hope this helps.

Thanks Robertwww for responding to this 15 month old (now much older) post. I just encountered this problem, googled it, landed on this page years after the initial post (which, by the way, is a characteristic of the web - stuff stays forever), and found my solution. Like many, I don't have the time or the desire to become a 9th level support person. When I have a question, I need an answer. I don't need to be spoken down to by a support person who is apparently more interested in correcting the technical inaccuracies of users' questions (some of these inaccuracies, though inaccurate, are inconsequential) than in solving their problems.

Like you, I noticed that at least 22 people have had a similar problem and no one had found any of the previous posts helpful. Finally, months after the original post, you provide users with a helpful response. You'd have thought a 9th level could have provided a helpful response to the original post, but you'd have been wrong.

Thanks again Robertwww for providing a clear and comprehensive solution.

NOTE: zerosix has posted the correct solution to this issue for current versions of iTunes.