LOS ANGELES -- In stark contrast to the high-octane, action-packed blockbuster recent instalment of popular flick The Fast and the Furious, the short film Los Bandoleros displays the mellow and sometimes funny side of the car-chasing characters.

Written and directed by Vin Diesel, Los Bandoleros only runs for 18 minutes. In that limited time it shows the intriguing back story of the characters and events that provoked the explosive oil truck heist which opens what is now being touted as the best of the four movies in the franchise.

Featuring cast members Michelle Rodriguez, Tego Calderon, John Ortiz, Don Omar, Sung Kang and Diesel among others, the short piece comes as a bonus to The Fast and the Furious Blu-ray and DVD to be released July 28.

Los Bandoleros has an indie-film feel to it.

"It's a love story, it puts the love story in The Fast and the Furious," Diesel was quick to say amidst the screams of fans that almost mimic the massive explosions in the story that glorifies fast cars, hot bodies and an edgy lifestyle.

Shot for three days in the Dominican Republic, the film features vivid colours, tantalizing sound and provocative shots. The short talks about the skyrocketing price of gas and how it's going to spell more trouble for the poorest of the poor in a country that has been suffering depression for a long time.

It also explains the friendship between Dominic and Han Lue (Kang) of The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift.

Kang sang Diesel's praises both as an actor and director.

"He's so easy and generous to work with and not a control freak," said the actor.

Diesel admits it's quite a challenge to create a short film due to a limited time to shoot and tight budget.

"So everyone that came on to Los Bandoleros essentially had to come on work for free, which is ironic," said Diesel at a red carpet event hyping the Blu-ray and DVD release.

"I don't know how that works in this world, but for some reason, we got lucky and everybody that was there was there to give."

Diesel said creating the short gave him a high because he didn't have to worry about box office.

"So, I was in this kinda lucky position to be able to take world-known franchise characters and create a film that didn't have to service the fact that there's a box-office obligation that all these films have to serve."

Cast member Ortiz said fans are going to love Los Bandoleros because they will see the characters in different circumstances.

"You will really get a chance to see them in a more relaxed way, in a more less action-oriented way," he said.

Fans can also enjoy several featurettes, including Driving School with Vin Diesel, trailers from all four films, a music video, a gag reel and a commentary.

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