System and method for projection display with slim cabinet depth. An embodiment comprises a collimating layer positioned in a light path of a display plane, and a diffusion layer positioned in the light path of the display plane after the collimating layer. The diffusion layer increases the viewing angle of the display plane. The collimating layer comprises a first lens having first and second axes orthogonal to each other and to the light path and a second lens positioned in the light path after the first lens, the second lens having first and second axes orthogonal to each other and to the light path. The first lens is configured along its first axis to redirect light towards the light path and the second lens is configured along its first and second axes to redirect light towards the light path so that the light is substantially parallel to the light path.