What technological innovation allowed for synchronized sound in films?

The Vitaphone system played a pivotal role in incorporating synchronized sound into films, marking a significant technological advancement in the history of motion pictures. Developed by Warner Bros. and introduced in the late 1920s, the Vitaphone system utilized a phonograph to record sound on a disc separately from the film itself. These discs were then played in sync with the film projection, allowing for dialogue and sound effects to be heard alongside visual images, creating a more immersive viewing experience.

The success of the Vitaphone system was prominently showcased in the 1927 film "The Jazz Singer," which is often regarded as the first significant "talkie." This innovation effectively transformed the industry, leading to the widespread adoption of sound in films.

While optical soundtracks improved sound quality and allowed sound to be engraved directly onto the filmstrip, and stereo recording further enhanced audio fidelity, the Vitaphone system was instrumental in the initial transition from silent to sound films. Additionally, live orchestral plays were common in silent films to accompany the visual storytelling, but they did not synchronize sound with the film as the Vitaphone system did.