What notable film editing technique did D.W. Griffith contribute to cinema?

D.W. Griffith is renowned for introducing parallel editing, a groundbreaking film technique that significantly advanced narrative storytelling in cinema. Parallel editing, also known as cross-cutting, involves alternating between two or more separate scenes happening simultaneously. This technique allows filmmakers to build suspense, develop multiple story arcs, and create a richer narrative experience for viewers.

Griffith effectively used this method in his landmark film "The Birth of a Nation," where he crafted tension by interspersing scenes of action with scenes depicting various characters' responses, thereby enhancing emotional engagement. This approach revolutionized the way stories could be told on screen and laid the groundwork for many modern editing techniques that are vital in filmmaking today.

The other options do not reflect Griffith's contributions. For instance, creating color films was a technological development that came later, and while he played an important role in the evolution of film, he did not develop the concept of storyboards, which were utilized by various filmmakers before him. Similarly, although special effects have a long history in film, Griffith is not credited with inventing them. His primary legacy lies in storytelling techniques, of which parallel editing is a key component.