An imaging material has been developed which provides improved image contrast, increased gain and increased viewing angle. A method for production of the screen element is also described. The imaging material of the invention includes a refractive optical element which redirects incident light along a desired axis, a light transmissive focusing region which diffuses the light along the desired axis, and a controlled light-transmissive region which controls backscatter and increases contrast. The refractive optical element desirably includes an active surface such as a lenticular array embossed thereon which serves to redirect incident light as desired. The focusing region desirably is made of a matrix material having a refractive index n1, having dispersed throughout the matrix asymmetric micro-bodies that have a refractive index n2 different from n1. The controlled light-transmissive region may desirably comprise an alternating black stripe and transparent region. Various implementations of these elements of course are contemplated as within the scope of the invention The materials described herein are typically used in a rear and/or front projection display system such as those used in televisions, computers, home theatres, information displays and simulation systems.