A flexible display panel and method of formation with a sacrificial release layer are described. The method of manufacturing a flexible display system includes forming a sacrificial layer on a carrier substrate. A flexible display substrate is formed on the sacrificial layer, with a plurality of release openings that extend through the flexible display substrate to the sacrificial layer. An array of LEDs and a plurality of microchips are transferred onto the flexible display substrate to form a flexible display panel. The sacrificial layer is selectively removed such that the flexible display panel attaches to the carrier substrate by a plurality of support posts. The flexible display panel is removed from the carrier substrate and is electrically coupled with display components to form a flexible display system.