No Splash Screen on Encrypted Bootup

Hi:

I've installed encrypted Lubuntu 16.04 LTS on multiple Thinkpad X40 systems.

It works fine, with the usual minor bugs (disappearing cursor, etc) but the one striking thing is that blank boot screen--there's no text or box to enter the encryption code--just a very dark purple screen. If one blindly enters the encryption code, it boots no problem.

Is this a bug or a feature? (I could see how it might make the system more secure; if someone tries to boot it, they get what looks very much like a blank screen.)

Does anyone else have this issue/question?

Bill