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 birefringence between -0.005 and +0.005. The second layers comprise an amorphous polymer having an out-of-plane birefringence that is either less than -0.005 or greater than +0.005. The overall in-plane retardation of the multilayer compensator is greater than 20 nm, and the out-of-plane retardation is more negative than -20 nm or more positive than +20 nm. The amorphous polymer of the second layer(s) has a glass transition temperature (Tg) such that 110.degree. C..ltoreq.Tg.ltoreq.180.degree. C. when the R.sub.th of the multilayer compensator is more negative than -20 nm, and 100.degree. C..ltoreq.Tg.ltoreq.160.degree. C. when the R.sub.th of the multilayer compensator is more positive than +20 nm.