What is the term for the use of sound in film, especially during the transition to talkies?

The term "synchronized sound" refers to the technique of aligning audio and visual elements in film, which became particularly significant during the transition from silent films to talkies in the late 1920s. This innovation allowed dialogue, sound effects, and music to be recorded and played back in perfect harmony with the images on screen, creating a more immersive and realistic experience for the audience.

During this transition, films no longer relied solely on dialogue cards to convey spoken words and instead integrated actual speech and sound that were synchronized with the on-screen action. This marked a pivotal moment in film history, as it transformed the storytelling capabilities of cinema and opened up new possibilities for filmmakers.

In contrast, while sound mixing involves blending different sound elements to create a cohesive audio landscape in a film, it does not specifically address the synchronization aspect that was crucial during the shift to sound films. Similarly, a soundtrack typically refers to the collection of music that accompanies a film rather than the technique of synchronizing sound with visual elements. Additionally, backtracking is not a recognized term in the context of film sound. Thus, synchronized sound stands out as the most accurate term for the use of sound during this crucial period in film history.