A projection system includes a projection lens unit, a color combiner, and at least a first and a second image-forming devices for generating single color images. The single color images are combined in the color combiner to produce a colored image light beam. The colored image light beam passes from the color combiner to the projection lens system. A polarization control element is disposed between the color combiner and the first image-forming device. The polarization control element alters the polarization of light at either one of the first and second color, while not altering the polarization of light of the other of the first and second color. In some embodiments, the polarization control element is oriented to substantially prevent light at the second color from passing from the color combiner to the first image-forming device via a polarizing beamsplitter.