A variable reflectance mirror system for use in a rearview mirror assembly having an electronic device transmitting light of a first polarization through the mirror system, the mirror system comprising: an optical element having a proximal side and a distal side, wherein the optical element is adapted to reflect ambient light incident upon the proximal side such as to form reflected light; and a laminate including an anisotropic birefringent plastic film between a substrate and a superstrate that is configured to substantially transmit light of the first polarization and substantially reflect light of a second polarization, the second polarization being orthogonal to the first polarization, wherein the anisotropic birefringent plastic film is disposed between the distal side of the optical element and the electronic device such that light from the electronic device is transmitted through the laminate, wherein the structural distortions and waviness of the laminated interfaces of the laminate are characterized by one or more of (a) values SW and LW as measured through the substrate or superstrate by using a wave-scan device, wherein the value SW designates detected defect features having dimensions from about 0.1 mm to approximately 1.2 mm, and the value LW designates detected distortion features of 1.2 mm to approximately 12 mm in size, and wherein said values SW and LW are less than 3, (b) curvature units as measured by ONDULO phase-shifting deflectometry, wherein said curvature units do not exceed approximately 0.04, (c) optical power value as measured in reflection according to ISRA, wherein said optical power value is less than 1,000 millidiopters, so that said mirror system is substantially devoid of any extended distortion. an optical element having a proximal side and a distal side, wherein the optical element is adapted to reflect ambient light incident upon the proximal side such as to form reflected light; and a laminate including an anisotropic birefringent plastic film between a substrate and a superstrate that is configured to substantially transmit light of the first polarization and substantially reflect light of a second polarization, the second polarization being orthogonal to the first polarization, wherein the anisotropic birefringent plastic film is disposed between the distal side of the optical element and the electronic device such that light from the electronic device is transmitted through the laminate, wherein the structural distortions and waviness of the laminated interfaces of the laminate are characterized by one or more of (a) values SW and LW as measured through the substrate or superstrate by using a wave-scan device, wherein the value SW designates detected defect features having dimensions from about 0.1 mm to approximately 1.2 mm, and the value LW designates detected distortion features of 1.2 mm to approximately 12 mm in size, and wherein said values SW and LW are less than 3, (b) curvature units as measured by ONDULO phase-shifting deflectometry, wherein said curvature units do not exceed approximately 0.04, (c) optical power value as measured in reflection according to ISRA, wherein said optical power value is less than 1,000 millidiopters, (a) values SW and LW as measured through the substrate or superstrate by using a wave-scan device, wherein the value SW designates detected defect features having dimensions from about 0.1 mm to approximately 1.2 mm, and the value LW designates detected distortion features of 1.2 mm to approximately 12 mm in size, and wherein said values SW and LW are less than 3, (b) curvature units as measured by ONDULO phase-shifting deflectometry, wherein said curvature units do not exceed approximately 0.04, (c) optical power value as measured in reflection according to ISRA, wherein said optical power value is less than 1,000 millidiopters, so that said mirror system is substantially devoid of any extended distortion.