The structure of the prism sheet and the reflective polarizer sheet in the direct - illumination liquid crystal display (LCD) backlight is optimized and fabricated. The apex angle of the prism sheet was changed from 90 degree to 96.5 and 101.5 degree and the angular spread of the diffuser films attached on the reflective polarizer sheet was changed from 7 to 1.5 degrees. The measured view angle, the normal luminance, and the contrast ratio from the optimized backlight unit showed improved optical performances.