Ultrasonic transducers that include backplates with a plurality of linear physical features formed on surfaces thereof and vibrator films tensioned in a specified manner for improved transducer performance. An ultrasonic transducer includes a backplate, a vibrator film, and a compliant member. The backplate includes the plurality of linear physical features formed parallel to one another on the backplate surface. The vibrator film has a metallized side and a non-metallized side, and is positioned proximate to the backplate such that its non-metallized side faces the linear physical features on the backplate surface. The compliant member applies a spring force to the vibrator film for urging the vibrator film against the backplate surface, while maintaining a constant, consistent, and uniform tension in the vibrator film in substantially one direction, preferably perpendicular to the linear physical features along the backplate surface.