A reflective polarizer contains: (a) a light-entrance medium having a
light-entrance surface and a microstructured surface with a series of
prismatic structures, wherein first and second sidewalls of each
prismatic structure have an inclination angle of more than 53 degrees
with respect to the light-entrance surface; (b) a polarization-selective
thin film optical coating on the series of prismatic structures, for
transmitting a first polarization of light and reflecting a second
polarization; and (c) a light-exit medium on the polarization-selective
thin film optical coating that provides a smooth light-exit surface.