The Evolution of Sound in Cinema

The video explores the evolution of synchronous sound in cinema, highlighting the challenges and innovations that led to its adoption. It discusses the initial resistance from Hollywood studios and the eventual impact of sound on film genres, actors, and the industry. The transition to sound films marked a significant shift, leading to new genres and altering career opportunities, especially for women in film editing.

What is synchronous sound in cinema?

• Sound added after the film is completed

• Sound that is only used for music

• Sound recorded separately from the video

• Sound that is in sync with the video

What was one of the major challenges in synchronizing sound with film?

• Developing microphones that were small enough to conceal

• Finding actors who could speak clearly

• Creating color films

• Building larger theaters

What technology did engineers start to explore after the phonograph seemed like a dead end?

• Sound-on-wire

• Sound-on-tape

• Sound-on-film

• Sound-on-disc

What was a major technological breakthrough that helped achieve synchronous sound?

• The creation of the Audion 3-Electrode Amplifier Tube

• The development of the kinetoscope

• The invention of the phonograph

• The introduction of color film

Which studio was the first to take a chance on sync-sound films on a large scale?

• MGM

• Universal

• Paramount

• Warner Brothers

What was the initial reaction of Hollywood studios to the introduction of sound films?

• They had no opinion

• They were enthusiastic but cautious

• They immediately embraced it

• They were skeptical and resistant

What was the Vitaphone system?

• A color film process

• A silent film process

• A sound-on-film process

• A sound-on-disc process

How did sound films impact the genre of musicals?

• They allowed musicals to become possible

• They had no impact on musicals

• They replaced musicals with comedies

• They made musicals less popular

What was one consequence of the arrival of sound for women in film editing?

• Women started acting more

• Women became directors

• Women were replaced by men

• Women gained more opportunities

Which film is noted for having incidental spoken dialogue that thrilled audiences?

• The Jazz Singer

• Don Juan

• Citizen Kane

• His Girl Friday