an image display apparatus includes a light valve for controlling at least the intensity of light projected along an optical path from a light source through the light valve . the light valve has a plurality of light transmitting elements at least the translucency of each of which may be adjusted periodically such that the translucency of each element is substantially constant except during intervals within which the translucency is being adjusted . a shutter is provided to obstruct the light path through at least one of the light transmitting elements during intervals within which the translucency of the element is being adjusted .