The phenomenon where a film purchased or rented on Amazon Prime Video fails to appear in a user’s Movies Anywhere library is a common customer concern. This discrepancy arises despite both platforms being linked to the Movies Anywhere service, which is intended to consolidate digital movie ownership across various participating retailers. Typically, a user expects a qualifying title acquired on one platform to automatically become accessible on all connected platforms.
The significance of resolving this issue lies in ensuring seamless access to purchased content and realizing the intended benefit of Movies Anywhere: a unified digital movie collection. Historically, consumers have sought a centralized system for managing their digital libraries to avoid platform lock-in. The inability to access a Prime Video movie within Movies Anywhere undermines this expectation and can lead to customer frustration. Addressing the root causes of this problem enhances user trust and promotes the intended functionality of digital content ecosystems.
The following sections will explore potential reasons for this synchronization failure, troubleshooting steps users can take, and methods for contacting support to resolve the issue.
1. Account Linking
The correct linking of accounts between Amazon Prime Video and Movies Anywhere is foundational for purchased movies to appear across both platforms. When a user experiences the issue of a Prime Video title not showing up in Movies Anywhere, verifying the account connection is often the initial troubleshooting step.
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Active Account Status
An active and valid Amazon Prime Video account is a prerequisite. If the Prime membership is expired or the Amazon account is suspended, the connection to Movies Anywhere is disrupted. Similarly, an inactive or suspended Movies Anywhere account will prevent movie synchronization.
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Correct Account Credentials
Users must ensure that the correct Amazon account credentials are used when connecting to Movies Anywhere. It is possible to inadvertently link the wrong Amazon account, particularly if multiple Amazon accounts exist. Using incorrect credentials will prevent access to the purchased movie library associated with the correct account.
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Authorization Permissions
During the account linking process, Movies Anywhere requires authorization to access the user’s Amazon Prime Video purchase history. If these permissions are not granted or are later revoked, movies will not sync. Users should verify that the necessary permissions are enabled in their Amazon account settings and Movies Anywhere profile.
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Account Disconnections
Accounts can become inadvertently disconnected. This may occur due to password changes, security updates, or technical glitches. Regularly checking the account connections within both Amazon Prime Video and Movies Anywhere settings is essential to ensure that the link remains active and functional.
In essence, a properly established and maintained account link is the bedrock upon which movie synchronization depends. Addressing any discrepancies or issues within the account linking process is often the key to resolving the issue of Amazon Prime Video movies not appearing within a Movies Anywhere library.
2. Movie eligibility
Movie eligibility constitutes a critical factor in whether a film acquired through Amazon Prime Video will synchronize with and appear within a user’s Movies Anywhere library. The determination of a movie’s eligibility hinges on distribution agreements and participating studios. Lack of eligibility is a primary reason why a purchased or rented Amazon Prime Video movie may not be accessible within Movies Anywhere.
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Studio Participation
Movies Anywhere operates as a collaborative platform among participating film studios. If a studio does not participate in Movies Anywhere, its films will not be eligible for synchronization, regardless of where they were purchased. Even if a movie is available on Amazon Prime Video, its absence from Movies Anywhere is dictated by the studio’s non-participation. Examples include films from studios that have chosen not to integrate with the Movies Anywhere platform.
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Distribution Agreements
Even when a studio participates in Movies Anywhere, specific distribution agreements can limit the eligibility of certain titles. These agreements dictate which films from a studio’s catalog are included in the Movies Anywhere program. Films with limited distribution rights or older titles that predate the Movies Anywhere service may be excluded. Consequently, users might find some studio films syncing successfully while others from the same studio do not.
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Redemption Rights
Certain digital codes or promotions associated with physical media may not be Movies Anywhere eligible, even if the underlying film is. This is often due to the specific terms and conditions of the promotional offer, which may restrict redemption to a single platform. Therefore, redeeming a digital code obtained from a Blu-ray or DVD purchase on Amazon Prime Video does not guarantee its appearance in Movies Anywhere.
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Territorial Restrictions
Eligibility can vary based on the user’s geographic location. Movies Anywhere is primarily designed for the United States market, and while some international territories are supported, the availability of specific titles may differ. A movie purchased on Amazon Prime Video in one country might not be eligible for Movies Anywhere in another due to differing distribution rights and licensing agreements.
Ultimately, determining if a particular Amazon Prime Video movie should appear in Movies Anywhere requires confirming its eligibility status. Users can consult the Movies Anywhere website or contact support to verify if a title is part of the program. The intricacies of studio participation, distribution agreements, redemption rights, and territorial restrictions collectively dictate movie eligibility, directly impacting the synchronization process.
3. Synchronization delays
Synchronization delays frequently contribute to the occurrence where an Amazon Prime Video movie is not immediately visible within a Movies Anywhere library. These delays represent a temporal gap between the purchase or rental of a movie and its subsequent reflection across all linked platforms, impacting the user experience.
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Processing Time
Upon completing a transaction on Amazon Prime Video, the system requires time to process the purchase and initiate the transfer of entitlement information to Movies Anywhere. This processing time involves validating the transaction, confirming rights availability, and preparing the data for transmission. The duration can vary depending on system load and the complexity of the purchase. Consequently, an immediate expectation of movie availability across all platforms may not be met.
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Network Latency
Network latency, which refers to the delays in data transfer across networks, plays a role in synchronization speed. Communication between Amazon Prime Video servers and Movies Anywhere servers relies on network infrastructure, and delays in this communication directly impact the time it takes for a movie to appear on Movies Anywhere. Fluctuations in internet traffic, server response times, and geographical distance can all contribute to network latency.
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Queue Management
Both Amazon Prime Video and Movies Anywhere utilize queue management systems to handle synchronization requests. These systems prioritize and schedule tasks, including the propagation of movie ownership data. If the queue is experiencing high volume, new synchronization requests may be delayed. This is particularly relevant during peak usage times or following large-scale promotions, leading to a noticeable delay before a newly acquired movie becomes available on Movies Anywhere.
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System Updates and Maintenance
Scheduled or unscheduled system updates and maintenance on either Amazon Prime Video or Movies Anywhere can temporarily disrupt the synchronization process. During these periods, the transfer of data may be paused or slowed, resulting in delays. Users may experience a period where recently purchased movies do not appear on Movies Anywhere until the maintenance is complete and the system returns to normal operation.
In summary, synchronization delays are a tangible aspect of digital content management, influenced by processing times, network latency, queue management, and system maintenance. While these delays are often temporary, they represent a potential source of user frustration when a purchased movie on Amazon Prime Video does not immediately appear within a Movies Anywhere library. Understanding these contributing factors can help users manage expectations and troubleshoot potential issues more effectively.
4. Regional restrictions
Regional restrictions constitute a significant barrier to the seamless integration of purchased Amazon Prime Video movies within Movies Anywhere. Varying licensing agreements and distribution rights across different geographic territories frequently lead to discrepancies in content availability. Consequently, a film purchased in one region may not be accessible in another, even when both accounts are linked to Movies Anywhere.
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Geographic Licensing
Movie distribution is often governed by geographic licensing agreements. These agreements grant specific rights holders exclusive distribution privileges within defined territories. A film licensed for distribution in the United States, for instance, may not be licensed for distribution in Canada or Europe. Therefore, a movie acquired on Amazon Prime Video in the U.S. may not be available on Movies Anywhere in a region where the licensing rights are held by another entity. This limitation is imposed by content providers to maximize revenue streams in each market.
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Territorial Exclusions
Movies Anywhere itself has limited geographic availability. While the service operates primarily in the United States, its availability in other countries is restricted. If a user purchases a film on Amazon Prime Video from a region not supported by Movies Anywhere, the synchronization process will fail. The platform’s infrastructure and licensing agreements are designed to function within specific geographic boundaries, rendering it incompatible with content acquired outside of these regions.
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Content Censorship and Regulations
Differing censorship laws and content regulations across countries further contribute to regional restrictions. A movie that is permissible in one country may be subject to censorship or outright bans in another. Amazon Prime Video must comply with these regulations, and the content available on the platform reflects these differences. Movies Anywhere respects these jurisdictional differences and will not synchronize content that violates local laws and regulations, even if the user has purchased it in a region where it is permissible.
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Currency and Payment Processing
Regional restrictions can extend to currency and payment processing differences. A purchase made on Amazon Prime Video using a payment method associated with one country might not be recognized or validated by Movies Anywhere if the user’s account is registered in another country. These payment processing discrepancies can disrupt the synchronization process and prevent the movie from appearing in the user’s Movies Anywhere library. This issue underscores the importance of aligning payment methods and account settings within both platforms to ensure compatibility.
These regionally imposed constraints emphasize the complexities involved in digital content distribution and ownership. While Movies Anywhere aims to unify movie libraries, it operates within the bounds of existing licensing agreements and geographic restrictions. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is crucial for users to manage their expectations and troubleshoot potential issues effectively when an Amazon Prime Video movie does not appear in their Movies Anywhere collection.
5. Licensing agreements
Licensing agreements play a pivotal role in determining whether a movie purchased on Amazon Prime Video appears within a user’s Movies Anywhere library. These agreements dictate the terms under which content is distributed and accessed, influencing the ability of digital retailers to share movie ownership information across platforms. The absence of a movie from Movies Anywhere often stems directly from limitations imposed by these legal arrangements.
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Content Distribution Rights
Licensing agreements define the scope of distribution rights granted to Amazon Prime Video. These rights specify the territories, formats, and platforms on which a movie can be offered. If a particular movie’s licensing agreement with the studio does not include provisions for sharing ownership data with Movies Anywhere, the title will not synchronize. These exclusions are often the result of legacy agreements or specific distribution strategies employed by the content owner. For instance, a studio might retain exclusive rights for a title on its own streaming platform, precluding its inclusion in Movies Anywhere.
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Platform Exclusivity
Some licensing agreements grant Amazon Prime Video exclusive rights to distribute a particular movie, explicitly prohibiting its availability on other platforms, including Movies Anywhere. These exclusivity arrangements are a common strategy for attracting subscribers and differentiating streaming services. Consequently, a user who purchases an exclusive title on Amazon Prime Video will not find it accessible within their Movies Anywhere library, as the agreement explicitly restricts cross-platform access. This scenario highlights the inherent limitations of Movies Anywhere’s universality due to contractual obligations.
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Territorial Restrictions in Agreements
Licensing agreements are frequently delineated by geographic territories. A movie may be licensed for distribution in one country but not in another. If a user’s Amazon Prime Video account is associated with a region where a movie is licensed, but their Movies Anywhere account is linked to a region where it is not, the movie will not synchronize. These territorial restrictions reflect the complexities of international distribution and the varying legal frameworks governing content ownership across different countries. For example, a movie purchased on Amazon Prime Video in the United States might not be accessible via Movies Anywhere if the user is traveling or residing in a country where the title is not licensed for distribution.
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Revocation of Rights
Licensing agreements are not static and can be subject to change or revocation. A studio may initially allow a movie to participate in Movies Anywhere but later withdraw that permission due to evolving distribution strategies or renegotiated agreements. If Amazon Prime Video’s licensing agreement for a title is modified to exclude Movies Anywhere participation after a user has purchased the movie, the title may disappear from their Movies Anywhere library. This scenario underscores the dynamic nature of digital content ownership and the potential for changes in licensing agreements to impact user access.
In summary, licensing agreements exert a direct influence on the availability of Amazon Prime Video movies within Movies Anywhere. The specific terms of these agreements, including content distribution rights, platform exclusivity, territorial restrictions, and the potential for revocation, collectively determine whether a movie will synchronize across platforms. Understanding the complexities of licensing is crucial for users to appreciate the limitations of Movies Anywhere and to manage their expectations regarding digital content ownership.
6. Technical Glitches
Technical glitches on either Amazon Prime Video or Movies Anywhere can directly contribute to the problem of a purchased movie not appearing in a user’s linked Movies Anywhere library. These unforeseen errors disrupt the intended flow of data and synchronization processes, preventing seamless access to content across platforms.
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API Communication Failures
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) enable communication between Amazon Prime Video and Movies Anywhere. A glitch within these APIs can impede the transfer of purchase information. For example, an API endpoint might experience downtime or return incorrect data, causing Movies Anywhere to fail to recognize a valid movie purchase on Amazon Prime Video. This results in the movie not being added to the user’s Movies Anywhere collection. These failures can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose without access to server logs.
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Database Synchronization Issues
Amazon Prime Video and Movies Anywhere maintain separate databases that must synchronize to reflect movie ownership. Technical issues within these databases, such as data corruption or replication errors, can lead to discrepancies. A user’s purchase record might be correctly stored in Amazon Prime Video’s database but fail to propagate to Movies Anywhere’s database due to a synchronization glitch. This results in the user’s Movies Anywhere library being incomplete. Regular database maintenance and integrity checks are essential to mitigate such issues.
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Authentication Errors
The process of authenticating user accounts between Amazon Prime Video and Movies Anywhere relies on secure authentication protocols. A technical glitch in these protocols can lead to authentication failures, preventing Movies Anywhere from verifying a user’s Amazon Prime Video purchases. For example, an issue with OAuth tokens or session management might cause Movies Anywhere to incorrectly identify a user or deny access to their purchase history. This type of error disrupts the link between the accounts and prevents movie synchronization. Resolving authentication errors often requires clearing browser caches or re-linking accounts.
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Content Delivery Network (CDN) Problems
Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are used to efficiently deliver movie content to users across different geographic locations. If a CDN experiences a technical issue, such as server outages or corrupted files, it can affect the availability of a movie on Movies Anywhere. While the movie might be correctly listed in the user’s library, playback may be impaired, or the movie might not appear at all. CDN-related problems are often temporary and resolve themselves as the network recovers.
In conclusion, technical glitches, whether related to API communication, database synchronization, authentication, or content delivery, represent a tangible source of error that can prevent a purchased Amazon Prime Video movie from appearing in a Movies Anywhere library. Addressing these issues often requires collaboration between the technical teams of both platforms and can involve troubleshooting steps ranging from simple account re-linking to complex server-side debugging.
7. Purchase validation
Purchase validation is a critical step ensuring a movie acquired through Amazon Prime Video is correctly recognized and added to a user’s Movies Anywhere library. Failures in this validation process frequently result in the film not appearing across linked platforms, undermining the seamless digital ownership experience Movies Anywhere aims to provide.
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Payment Authorization
Successful payment authorization is the initial step in purchase validation. If the payment method on file with Amazon Prime Video is declined or experiences processing errors, the movie purchase may not be fully validated. This can occur due to expired credit cards, insufficient funds, or security flags raised by the payment provider. Until the payment is successfully processed and authorized, the movie’s entitlement information may not be transmitted to Movies Anywhere, preventing its appearance in the user’s library. In such cases, users must update their payment information and re-attempt the purchase to ensure validation.
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Order Confirmation
An order confirmation serves as proof that the transaction has been recorded and accepted by Amazon Prime Video. If the order confirmation is not generated correctly due to system errors or network interruptions, the validation process may stall. Without a valid order confirmation, the movie is not considered fully purchased from the perspective of Amazon’s systems, and Movies Anywhere will not recognize it as part of the user’s collection. Users should verify that they receive a confirmation email or see the purchase reflected in their Amazon order history to ensure proper validation.
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Entitlement Verification
Entitlement verification involves confirming that the user has the rights to access the movie based on the terms of the purchase. This process checks licensing agreements and regional restrictions to ensure the user is authorized to view the content in their location. If the entitlement verification fails due to geographic limitations or conflicting licensing terms, the movie may not be validated for inclusion in Movies Anywhere. For example, a user purchasing a movie while traveling in a country where the title is not licensed may experience entitlement verification failure, preventing the movie from appearing in their Movies Anywhere library upon returning home.
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Digital Rights Management (DRM) Compliance
Digital Rights Management (DRM) technologies protect copyrighted content and enforce licensing restrictions. During purchase validation, DRM systems verify that the user’s device and account comply with the necessary DRM requirements. If DRM compliance checks fail due to outdated software, incompatible devices, or DRM errors, the movie may not be validated for playback or inclusion in Movies Anywhere. Users may need to update their devices or software to meet DRM requirements and ensure proper validation of their movie purchase.
These facets of purchase validation highlight the multiple points at which a transaction can fail, ultimately impacting the synchronization of an Amazon Prime Video movie with Movies Anywhere. Addressing these potential validation issues requires users to ensure their payment information is current, their orders are properly confirmed, their entitlements are verified based on geographic and licensing restrictions, and their devices are DRM compliant. Successfully navigating these steps is essential for realizing the intended benefit of a unified digital movie library across platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following section addresses common questions related to the absence of Amazon Prime Video movies within a Movies Anywhere library. These questions and answers aim to provide clarity and guidance to users experiencing this issue.
Question 1: Why does a movie purchased on Amazon Prime Video not automatically appear in Movies Anywhere?
Several factors can prevent automatic synchronization. These include the movie not being Movies Anywhere eligible due to studio participation or distribution agreements, delays in the synchronization process, regional restrictions, or technical glitches affecting the account linking between Amazon Prime Video and Movies Anywhere.
Question 2: How does one verify if a movie is Movies Anywhere eligible before purchasing it on Amazon Prime Video?
Prior to completing a purchase, consult the Movies Anywhere website or contact their support team to confirm whether the specific title is part of the Movies Anywhere program. Movies Anywhere typically lists participating studios and offers a search function to check individual movie eligibility. Amazon Prime Video may also indicate eligibility on the movie’s details page.
Question 3: What steps can be taken if accounts are already linked, and a purchased movie still fails to appear in Movies Anywhere?
Begin by confirming that the correct Amazon Prime Video account is linked to Movies Anywhere. Then, check for synchronization delays, which can sometimes resolve themselves within 24-48 hours. If the movie remains absent, contact Movies Anywhere support for assistance, providing them with details of the movie and the purchase date.
Question 4: What impact do regional restrictions have on the availability of Amazon Prime Video movies in Movies Anywhere?
Regional restrictions can prevent a movie purchased in one country from appearing in Movies Anywhere if the user’s account is registered in a different region, or if the movie is not licensed for distribution in that region. Movies Anywhere primarily functions within the United States, and availability can vary internationally based on licensing agreements.
Question 5: What if a payment issue occurred during the Amazon Prime Video purchase?
A failed payment can prevent the successful validation of the movie purchase, thereby precluding its appearance in Movies Anywhere. Verify that the payment method associated with the Amazon Prime Video account is valid and that the purchase was successfully processed. Review the Amazon order history for any payment-related issues and resolve them to complete the validation process.
Question 6: Is there a way to manually force synchronization between Amazon Prime Video and Movies Anywhere?
Movies Anywhere does not provide a direct manual synchronization option. Synchronization typically occurs automatically. If a movie is missing, the recommended course of action is to verify account linking, check for movie eligibility, allow sufficient time for processing, and, if necessary, contact Movies Anywhere support for assistance.
In summary, addressing the issue of a missing Amazon Prime Video movie in Movies Anywhere involves verifying eligibility, confirming account linkages, accounting for potential delays, and understanding the limitations imposed by regional restrictions and licensing agreements. Contacting support remains a viable option when self-troubleshooting proves insufficient.
The subsequent section will offer practical troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue.
Addressing Missing Amazon Prime Video Movies in Movies Anywhere
This section provides a series of actionable steps to resolve instances where a movie purchased on Amazon Prime Video fails to appear within the Movies Anywhere library.
Tip 1: Verify Account Linkage.
Confirm the correct Amazon Prime Video account is actively linked to the Movies Anywhere account. Discrepancies may occur if multiple Amazon accounts exist. Review account settings on both platforms to ensure the intended accounts are connected.
Tip 2: Confirm Movie Eligibility.
Determine if the movie is eligible for Movies Anywhere. Not all titles participate due to studio agreements. Refer to the Movies Anywhere website to check movie eligibility prior to contacting support. Licensing restrictions dictate whether a film qualifies for cross-platform integration.
Tip 3: Allow Sufficient Synchronization Time.
Synchronization between Amazon Prime Video and Movies Anywhere is not instantaneous. Allow up to 48 hours for the movie to appear. Delays may occur due to system processing and network traffic. Patience is advised before initiating further troubleshooting.
Tip 4: Check Regional Compatibility.
Ensure the movie is licensed for viewing in the region associated with the Movies Anywhere account. Geographic licensing restrictions can prevent synchronization. A movie purchased in one country may not be accessible in another through Movies Anywhere.
Tip 5: Review Purchase History.
Examine the Amazon Prime Video purchase history to confirm successful transaction completion. Payment failures or incomplete orders impede synchronization. Resolve any payment issues to validate the movie purchase.
Tip 6: Clear App Cache and Data (if applicable).
If using the Movies Anywhere app, clearing the app cache and data can resolve synchronization issues. This action removes temporary files that may be interfering with account recognition. Note that clearing data may require re-entering login credentials.
Tip 7: Contact Support.
If the previous steps prove unsuccessful, contact Movies Anywhere support for assistance. Provide detailed information regarding the movie, purchase date, and account details. Support representatives possess the tools to diagnose and resolve complex synchronization problems.
These tips offer a systematic approach to addressing missing Amazon Prime Video movies in Movies Anywhere. Consistent application of these steps should resolve most synchronization issues. When troubleshooting fails, consider contacting customer support.
The concluding section will summarize the key points discussed and offer final thoughts on maximizing the Movies Anywhere experience.
In Conclusion
The preceding exploration has detailed the multifaceted reasons behind the occurrence of an Amazon Prime Video movie not showing up in Movies Anywhere. From verifying account linkages and confirming movie eligibility to understanding synchronization delays, regional restrictions, and the potential for technical glitches, a comprehensive understanding of these factors is crucial. Purchase validation and the impact of licensing agreements further contribute to the overall picture, highlighting the complexities of digital content ownership.
Ensuring seamless integration between platforms requires diligence on the part of the user, encompassing proactive verification and systematic troubleshooting. While the intent of Movies Anywhere is to unify digital movie libraries, users must remain aware of the inherent limitations dictated by licensing and technical infrastructures. Continued vigilance and engagement with platform support channels are essential to navigating the challenges of digital content accessibility and ensuring the intended benefits of Movies Anywhere are realized.
