Q: iPad iOS 8.1.2 films downloads stuck in preparing to download

Hi meganfromnewbury,

Welcome to the Support Communities!  Is it possible that you don't have enough space left on your iPad to download the movies?  This is what I would suggest:

1) Quit all of your open apps.
Force an app to close in iOS - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT5137

2) Check to see how much available space you have on the device.  You may need to backup your iPad and then delete some apps, photos or videos to free up space

See how much storage you've used on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201656

3) Restart your iPad

4) Follow the steps below to redownload your purchased movies. As soon as you tap the Download icon, you should see a red square with a circle showing you the download process.  Tap on the red square to stop the download.

Download past purchases - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT2519

 

Movies, TV shows, or music videos

1. Tap Settings > Videos and make sure Show All Videos is on.
2. Tap the Videos app.
3. Tap Movies, Music Videos, or TV Shows at the bottom of the page.
   
4. Find the item that you want to download.
5. Tap the Download  icon.

I hope this information helps ....

- Judy