An aerial projection system and method having a housing for positioning low cost optical elements capable of generating a three dimensional aerial images at video rates without reflected artifacts or visible display of the display screen. A method for generating the display images is based on a set of rules that eliminate boundary transgressions and maximizes the illusion of a three dimensional aerial image. An optional second display is a transparent imaging panel that acts selectively as a light valve, as a display platform for special effects or for providing the appearance of linear motion towards or away from the observer. The aerial projection system includes a plastic spherical mirror having a plastic part of at least the following descriptions: mirror surface of sufficient sphericity supported by wall structures, of a plastic material formulation, excellent optical grade finish, has a reflective metal coating and a protective overcoat.