Abstract: A liquid crystal color display has the range of polarization twist angles between the color filter and the active matrix alignment layers for the cells of at least one primary color different from that of the other primary color cells. Each polarization twist minimizes the off state illumination of the display in a color filter cell so that a normally black display is obtained. In a second embodiment, liquid crystal molecules of the display are tilted relative an alignment layer and at least one primary color filter cell has a tilt different from the tilt in the other primary color filter cells. The molecular tilt minimizes off state illumination in the color filter cells in a manner that provides a normally black display. Molecular tilt and multi-twist may be combined to achieve a normally black display, as may multi-twist or multi-tilt, or a combination thereof, be combined with mono-gap or multi-gap liquid crystal display construction to achieve a normally black display.