Abstract: A sub-twisted nematic liquid crystal display (SBTN-LCD) device (30) having a liquid crystal layer (34) characterized as a polarization rotator below an optical threshold voltage, a half-wavelength plate at approximately a saturation voltage, and a transparent layer above the saturation voltage. The twist angle of the liquid crystal layer is between 46.degree.-89.degree., preferably about 55.degree.. The product of the birefringence of the liquid crystal and the thickness of the liquid crystal layer (.DELTA.nd) is in the range of 0.35-0.70 .mu.m, and preferably about 0.52 .mu.m for the 55.degree. twist. One polarizing layer (42) is applied to the liquid crystal device with the polarization direction either parallel or perpendicular to the immediately neighboring liquid crystal director. Further, the performance of the SBTN-LCD is dependent upon the parameters of the liquid crystal material, such as the elastic constants.