Image generator having a miniature display device

An image generator for producing a visual display, said image generator comprising:

• an illuminator which generates a source of light;
• a miniature reflective display device which includes a light modulating medium and a reflective surface, said reflective surface reflecting light from said source of light, said light modulating medium forming an image by spatially modulating light in said light modulating medium;
• a beamsplitter optically coupled to said reflective display device to produce a virtual image for said visual display, wherein said beamsplitter is a reflective polarizer which polarizes by reflecting light having a first polarization component and transmitting light having a second polarization component and comprises a film having a plurality of layers including at least a first layer comprising an oriented birefringent material, said beamsplitter having a wide angle of acceptance wherein said beamsplitter further comprises an analyzer attached to said beamsplitter, and wherein said beamsplitter is at an angle, relative to said miniature reflective display device, which is substantially not equal to zero.