A representative device comprises a plurality of pixel units configured for use in a vertical alignment liquid crystal display, wherein a first of the pixel units comprises a first substrate, a second substrate and liquid crystal material. The first substrate comprises a pixel layer thereon, wherein the pixel layer comprises a thin film transistor and a pixel electrode, and the pixel electrode in the first of the pixel units has first openings therein. The second substrate comprises a common electrode thereon, wherein the common electrode has second openings therein, and the second openings and the first openings are arranged in an overlying and cross-over relationship with respect to each other. The liquid crystal layer is between the first and second substrates.