married print: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+Technical, Professional
Quick answer
What does “married print” mean?
A combined film print containing both picture and soundtrack on the same strip, as opposed to separate picture and sound reels.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A combined film print containing both picture and soundtrack on the same strip, as opposed to separate picture and sound reels.
In modern usage, it can refer to any final, integrated master version of an audiovisual work where all elements (video, audio, subtitles) are combined into a single file or print, ready for distribution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally understood in both film industries. US usage may be slightly more common due to Hollywood's historical dominance in film technology terminology.
Connotations
Technical and somewhat historical; younger professionals may use 'final master' or 'integrated master file' for digital equivalents.
Frequency
Low frequency overall, confined to film, television, and media production contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “married print” in a Sentence
They delivered the [married print] to the distributor.We need to [strike] a new married print.The [quality] of the married print was superb.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “married print” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We'll marry the print tomorrow once the sound mix is approved.
American English
- The lab married the print last night; we can screen it this afternoon.
adverb
British English
- N/A (not used adverbially)
American English
- N/A (not used adverbially)
adjective
British English
- The married print version was shipped to the festival organisers.
American English
- Do you have the married print files for the streaming platform?
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In a production company: 'The client's final payment is due upon delivery of the married print.'
Academic
In film studies: 'The transition from silent to sound cinema necessitated the creation of the married print.'
Everyday
Almost never used in everyday conversation outside of film professionals.
Technical
In a post-production facility: 'Ensure the colour grading and final sound mix are locked before we output the married print.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “married print”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “married print”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “married print”
- Using 'married print' to refer to a simple video file with sound (it's a specific professional term).
- Confusing it with 'master copy' (which can be video-only).
- Misspelling as 'marred print'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A married print is the analog/physical film equivalent. A DCP is the modern digital file package used for projection in most cinemas today, serving a similar 'final, combined' purpose.
It can be used metaphorically by professionals for a final, integrated master file (e.g., a ProRes file with embedded audio). However, strictly speaking, it's an analog film term.
In film labs, the opposite was an 'A&B roll' editing workprint (picture only) with a separate magnetic sound reel. More broadly, any version where picture and sound are separate elements.
It uses the metaphor of marriage to signify the permanent joining or unification of two previously separate entities: the picture reel and the sound track.
A combined film print containing both picture and soundtrack on the same strip, as opposed to separate picture and sound reels.
Married print is usually technical, professional in register.
Married print: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmærɪd prɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛrid prɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To marry the picture and track.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a film reel (the picture) and a sound reel (the audio) having a wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, they are 'married' into one single print.
Conceptual Metaphor
MARRIAGE IS THE COMBINATION OF SEPARATE ELEMENTS INTO A UNIFIED WHOLE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a 'married print' in traditional film?