Newsreel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
newsreel
[หnjuหzriหl ]
Definition
film media
A newsreel is a short film that presents news stories, typically produced for theatrical release. They became popular during the early 20th century, particularly before television became a primary source of news. Newsreels were often shown in movie theaters before the main feature, and they provided audiences with current events, sports highlights, and entertainment news. The format allowed filmmakers to use visual storytelling to engage viewers and convey important information. As television started to dominate the media landscape, the production of newsreels declined significantly.
Synonyms
current events film, documentary, film report, news clip.
Examples of usage
- The newsreel covered the latest political events.
- People gathered at the cinema to watch the newsreel.
- The old newsreels provide a fascinating glimpse into history.
- In the 1940s, newsreels were an essential part of cinema.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The first newsreels were produced in the early 1900s, with many emerging during World War I to keep people informed about the war.
- Newsreels became a regular feature in movie theaters in the 1920s and 1930s, serving as a primary source of news for audiences before television.
- By the 1960s, newsreels began to decline as television news became more accessible and popular.
Media Evolution
- While originally shot on film, newsreels transitioned to being made with digital technology as media practices evolved.
- Modern platforms, like social media, now deliver news reels in the form of quick clips and live updates, changing how audiences consume news.
- Despite their decline, elements of newsreels can be seen today in documentary films and news segments.
Cultural Impact
- Newsreels played a significant role in shaping public perception, influencing opinions and providing a visual record of historical events.
- They often included patriotic themes during wars, which helped to boost morale and support for military efforts.
- The visual storytelling of newsreels contributed to the evolution of documentary filmmaking, merging factual reporting with cinematic techniques.
Technological Advancements
- Advancements in film technology allowed newsreels to use sound, adding voiceovers and music to enhance storytelling.
- The introduction of color film in the 1930s transformed newsreels, making them more engaging for viewers.
- Recording and editing technology improvements led to more dynamic presentations of news stories, allowing for quicker release times.
Legacy
- Archives of old newsreels provide valuable historical insights and are often used for research by historians and filmmakers.
- The phrase 'newsreel' is less common today, but its legacy continues in news formats like video journalism and online news feeds.
- Some classic newsreels are preserved and screened at film festivals, highlighting their historical and artistic significance.
Origin of 'newsreel'
The term 'newsreel' first emerged in the early 1900s, combining the words 'news' and 'reel' โ the latter referring to the reels of film that were used in cinema. The first commercially successful newsreels were produced in the United States by Hearst Metrotone News in 1919. Newsreels quickly became a staple in theaters, with many companies, such as Pathรฉ and Universal, competing for audiences' attention. They played a crucial role in how the public received information about major events, especially during World War I and World War II. By providing moving images and sound, newsreels brought events to life in a way that print media could not. However, with the advent of television in the late 1940s and 1950s, the popularity of newsreels waned, as people began to prefer the immediacy and convenience of televised news coverage. By the 1970s, newsreels largely disappeared from theaters, although they continue to exist in archival forms and are studied for their historical significance.