A color display system providing reduced observer metameric failure for a set of target observers, comprising an image forming system having narrow-band primaries. A data processing system is used to implement a method for color correcting an input color image having input color values adapted for display on a reference display device having a plurality of input color primaries. A metamerism correction transform is applied to the input color image to determine an output color image having output color values in an output color space appropriate for display on the image forming system. The metamerism correction transform modifies colorimetry associated with the input colors to provide output color values such that an average observer metameric failure is reduced for a distribution of target observers.