A liquid crystal display unit is provided which includes a primary, image-defining display and a secondary display, arranged in series with the primary display. The primary and secondary displays have equal numbers of light shutters, similarly sized and located on each display, so that when the primary and secondary displays are placed in series their respective light shutters are also in series. When corresponding light shutters on the primary and secondary displays are closed, substantially no light passes through the displays to the opposite side of the primary display. An opaque mask is formed on the input side of the primary display to define the shape of the image elements to be displayed. This mask covers the edges of the primary display light shutters to define the image elements such that each light shutter on the secondary display is larger in size than its corresponding image element on the primary display. This permits the primary and secondary displays to be easily aligned with each other. Color patches can be located on the light input side of the primary display light shutters so that the viewed images are in color. The use of the opaque mask to form the image elements eliminates the need to form precisely shaped color patches. Since no light leaks through the light shutter pairs when switched off, and the mask blocks all light between light shutters, a display is provided having a true dead front. The true dead front display permits colored text displays using mimic-type electrodes to be produced. Since the secondary displays need not perform as well as the primary displays, displays which are not suitable for use as primary displays can be used as the secondary displays.