Popular film critic and historian Leonard Maltin has teamed up with
NetFlix.com, the world’s largest DVD rental store, to launch a monthly online column that will appear exclusively at the NetFlix.com store.

Each month, Maltin will lend his movie and entertainment expertise in suggesting five must-rent DVDs to NetFlix.com customers. Maltin’s March column, debuting Tuesday on the site, features his favorite top five Academy Award-winning films that are available on DVD. His selections include such cinematic favorites as “Casablanca” and “West Side Story,” as well
as modern-day classics such as “Annie Hall” and “Dances With Wolves.”

“We are delighted to work with Leonard Maltin as his enthusiasm for DVD and wealth of film knowledge make him a tremendous asset to our customers,” said Marc B. Randolph, president of NetFlix.com. “Maltin’s exclusive NetFlix.com column is yet another example of our continuing efforts to provide the most enjoyable and satisfying movie rental experience for our customers.”

Maltin, who is best known as the resident film buff on the syndicated TV program “Entertainment Tonight,” is the author of several books including the annual “Leonard Maltin’s Movie and Video Guide.” In addition, Maltin remains an active member of the film community, teaching at the University of Southern California, as well as serving on a number of film-related boards and as the film critic of Playboy magazine.

“DVD has established itself as the best way to watch movies at home,” said Maltin. “I’m happy to have a forum where I can talk about movies I recommend in this newest of all formats. NetFlix.com performs a real service for film buffs who want to find virtually every DVD title available.”