The invention relates to reflective mixed-mode twisted nematic liquid crystal displays. A direct-view display consists of a front substrate, a polarizer, liquid crystal and a rear substrate having a reflective coating. The twist angle, polarizer angle and retardation are optimized and fall within the following ranges: twist angle of between 67° and 83°; polarizer angle of between 5° and 21° or between 95° and 111°; and retardation of between 0.18 and 0.28. An alternative configuration for the display is a projection display having a front substrate, a rear substrate with a reflective coating, liquid crystal between the substrates, a polarizing beam splitter and a screen.
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