Abstract: A backlight system for use in display devices including liquid crystal displays, or in advertising means or in lighting devices includes one or more light sources, a light-glide panel, a light reflecting film, an anisotropic light diffusing film, and a light collimating film. A light source is positioned at one or more edges of the light-guide panel in a predetermined direction. A light reflecting film is placed below the light-guide panel. An anisotropic light diffusing film is placed over the light-guide panel. The anisotropic light diffusing film has directionally different diffusing properties. The light collimating film has a top surface and a smooth bottom surface. The top surface of the light collimating film includes a lenticular layer extending in a predetermined direction. The lenticular layer has a plurality of linear prisms. A reflective polarizer can be employed over the light collimating film.