Arizona State University (ASU) ARS445 History of Animation Exam 2 Practice

The Vitaphone system is recognized as a significant technological innovation that enabled the synchronization of sound and animation, particularly in early cinema. Developed in the 1920s, the Vitaphone technology utilized a phonograph to play sound recordings in sync with projected films. By attaching a turntable to the film projector, sound could be played alongside the visual content in a cohesive manner, allowing dialogue, music, and sound effects to enhance the animated sequences significantly.

This innovation was pivotal in the transition from silent films to "talkies," dramatically changing the landscape of animation as filmmakers could now incorporate synchronized soundtracks that matched the performances on screen. The success of the Vitaphone system was exemplified with the release of "The Jazz Singer" in 1927, which showcased early examples of synchronized sound and led to the acceptance and incorporation of sound in animated films.

The other options, while notable in their own rights, do not specifically refer to the synchronization of sound and animation in the way the Vitaphone system does. The Technicolor process pertains largely to the use of color in film production, the optical soundtrack is a different technology related to how sound is recorded visually on film, and digital audio workstations represent a more contemporary evolution of sound production technology