A multilayer compensator includes one or more polymeric first layers and one or more polymeric second layers. The first layers comprise a polymer having an out-of-plane (.DELTA.n.sub.th) birefringence not more negative than -0.01 or not more positive than +0.01. The second layers comprise an amorphous polymer having an out-of-plane birefringence more negative than -0.01 or more positive than +0.01. An overall in-plane retardation (R.sub.in) of the multilayer compensator is greater than 20 nm and the out-of-plane retardation (R.sub.th) of the multilayer compensator is more negative than -20 nm or more positive than +20 nm. The in-plane retardation (Rin) of the one or more first layers is 30% or less of the overall in-plane retardation (Rin) of the multilayer compensator.