Netflix strikes streaming deal with Nu Image/Millennium Group

Netflix said September 8 that it has reached a long-term deal to stream movies from independent film studio Nu Image/Millennium Group.

The deal is the DVD distribution giant's third such announcement in the past two months, and a move that should improve its streaming library and make the company more competitive against pay-TV networks such as HBO and Showtime.

As a result of the agreement, Netflix said it expects to stream five to 10 more movies each year within a few months of the films' DVD releases. Nu Image/Millennium is known for its big-budget action films and thrillers, such as The Expendables and Brooklyn's Finest.

In July, Netflix announced a similar deal with independent film financing and production company Relativity Media, whose recent productions include Despicable Me and Get Him to the Greek. The company also reached an agreement to stream films from major studios Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate Entertainment and MGM.

Netflix allows consumers to stream films through television sets by using the XBox 360, PlayStation 3 or Nintendo Wii, on computers or on mobile devices using apps for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.