To overcome the problem of narrow viewing angle in active matrix liquid crystal displasy(LCDs) in the twisted nematic mode(TN mode), we have proposed a new LCD mode using a bend-alignment cell with an optical compensator. In this new mode, we have successfully obtained a black state with almost no leakage over a wide viewing angle range with very fast response. We describe the fundamental principle and design rule of the optical compensator and discuss the properties obtained in theoretical and experimental term.