Lo hanno già tolto dalle sale.

They've already taken it out of cinemas.

Pronunciation

TOL-to — irregular past participle of 'togliere' (to remove). Short, clipped 'o' sounds.

When to use it

Say when a film you wanted to see is no longer showing. Common when a film had a short theatrical run. Also relevant when recommending an alternative viewing method (streaming, DVD).

What it means

'Togliere dalle sale' = to remove from cinemas. Italian cinema runs are often short — popular films may only show for 2–3 weeks. Arthouse films sometimes have even shorter runs. The alternative is to wait for streaming ('piattaforme streaming') or home video release.

Variations

Non è più in programmazione.

It's no longer on the programme.

Formal-sounding alternative — the same meaning.

È già uscito in streaming.

It's already out on streaming.

Silver lining — it's available to watch at home now.

Purtroppo ha avuto una corsa breve in sala.

Unfortunately it had a short cinema run.

More analytical — comments on the brief theatrical run.

Mini Dialogue

— Andiamo a vedere quel film francese che volevi vedere? — Lo hanno già tolto dalle sale, purtroppo. Era in programmazione solo due settimane. — Peccato! Quando esce in streaming? — Non lo so esattamente, ma di solito aspettano tre mesi. — Ok, lo segno per dopo.

— Shall we go and see that French film you wanted to see? — They've already taken it out of cinemas, unfortunately. It was only showing for two weeks. — What a shame! When does it come out on streaming? — I'm not sure exactly, but they usually wait three months. — Ok, I'll note it down for later.

Cultural Note

The Italian cinema market is heavily concentrated in the 'prime settimane' (first weeks) of a release. Films that do not perform immediately are removed quickly, making it important to see new releases within the first fortnight.

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È considerato un film di culto.

C'è un'anteprima di questo film?

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