Dissolve (filmmaking)

A dissolve transition between two still images

In the post-production process of film editing and video editing, a dissolve is a gradual transition from one image to another. The terms fade-out and fade-in and are used to describe a transition to and from a blank image. This is in contrast to a cut where there is no such transition. A dissolve effectively overlaps two clips for the duration of the effect. The lengths of the two scenes can be adjusted by trimming, which, if desired, can change the original durations of the scenes before the dissolve was added.

In film, this effect is usually created with an optical printer by controlled double exposure from frame to frame; transitioning from the end of one clip to the beginning of another. In linear video editing or a live television production, the same effect is created by interpolating voltages of the video signal. In non-linear video editing, a dissolve is done in software, by interpolating gradually between the RGB values of each pixel of the image. The audio track optionally cross-fades between the clips.

The cut and the dissolve are used differently. A camera cut changes the perspective from which a scene is portrayed. It is as if the viewer suddenly and instantly moved to a different place, and could see the scene from another angle.

Fades and dissolves typically have a duration of 1 to 2 seconds (24-48 frames), though this may vary according to the preference of the director and editor. Short dissolves (6-12 frames) may be used to soften obvious hard cuts which may startle the viewer, or jump cuts. A Place in the Sun is noted for its exceptionally long fades and dissolves.^[1]

See also

• Crossfading – sound transition
• Wipe (transition)
• Georges Méliès

References

1. ^ Fielding

• Fielding, Raymond (1985). The Technique of Special Effects Cinematography. Focal Press. p. 152. ISBN 0240512340.