Ever since 1927, when The Jazz Singer broke the silence of the silver screen, sound has played an integral role in the development and appreciation of motion pictures.This encyclopedia covers the people, processes, innovations, facilities, manufacturers, formats and award-winning films that have made sound such a crucial part of the motion picture experience. Every film that has won a sound-related Academy Award is included here, with detailed critical commentary. Every sound mixer or editor who has been honored by the Academy has his or her own entry and filmography, and career biographies are provided for key developers including Jack Foley, Ray Dolby, George Lucas, and more.