A norbornene-based cyclic olefin layer with a curable layer disposed thereon is described. The curable layer may additionally be imparted with a texture. The norbornene-based cyclic olefin films with curable layers can be incorporated into optical bodies which include an optical film, such as an oriented multilayer optical film. In addition, the invention includes a method of coating a curable layer onto a norbornene-based polymer layer or film without requiring a primer layer. Methods of making the norbornene-based cyclic olefin layer containing films are also disclosed.