What technique is used to create a smoother transition between two images or scenes in film?

The technique used to create a smoother transition between two images or scenes in film is a dissolve. A dissolve involves overlapping the end of one shot with the beginning of another, allowing the outgoing shot to gradually fade away while the incoming shot simultaneously fades in. This blending creates a seamless and fluid transition that can help convey a passage of time, change of location, or a shift in emotional tone. It contrasts with other options, like a cut, which is a more abrupt transition between scenes, and a fade, which typically involves fading to or from black and doesn’t emphasize the connection between the two images. Overlay refers to superimposing one image over another without necessarily transitioning smoothly between them. Thus, a dissolve is particularly effective for establishing narrative continuity or thematic associations between two scenes.