Out this week on Blu-ray as well is the Spike Lee film about the lives of four African American soldiers trapped behind enemy lines during World War II.

Based on the highly acclaimed novel by James McBride, the film portrays the true story of four African American soldiers stationed in German-occupied Italy during World War II. Separated from their unit and trapped behind Nazi lines, ranking officer Aubrey Stamps (Derek Luke), hot-headed Bishop Cummings (Michael Ealy), radioman Hector Negron (Laz Alonso) and gentle giant Sam Train (Omar Benson Miller) survive a shocking massacre and rescue a young Italian boy in the process. The five make their way to the nearest village, where they join forces with the local opposition, risking their lives and gathering intelligence for a nation that considers them second-class citizens.

An inspirational look at the heroic exploits of the all-black 92nd Infantry Division, also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, 'Miracle' also stars Matteo Sciabordi, John Leguizamo, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Kerry Washington, Tory Kittles, Michael K. Williams, Valentina Cervi and Robert John Burke.

The Blu-ray disc also includes a fascinating documentary featuring WWII vets. In speaking with Black Voices, Laz Alonso spoke about what's on the DVD that we didn't get from seeing the film in theaters and his upcoming role in 'Fast and Furious.'

What should folks be looking for on the DVD that wasn't in the film?

Laz Alonso: Well, a lot of people complained that the film was too long. They felt that there was too much information to process in one sitting, and the DVD gives them the opportunity to take breaks and relax and really get what's going on in the film.

How much fun was it working on that film?

LA: It was a lot of fun. First and foremost, we, or most of us, were in a part of the world that was new to us. That itself was exciting. When you are away on a film, it's not like you are on vacation and trying to squeeze in seeing everything in the course of a week. You are actually living there, shopping at the local market, cooking and hanging out where the locals do. You get a different perspective of what that place is. I was in Italy and Tuscany for about four months.

Did the subject matter of the film still resonate with you once you completed the film?

LA: I definitely reflected on Jan. 20 when Barack Obama officially became president of the United States. To think that 50 years ago, blacks and whites weren't allowed to fight in the Army side by side, but now not only does the Army have a black commander in chief, but the entire armed forced has one as well. It just goes to show how far we have come in a very short amount of time. We're able to reflect on the contributions that these Buffalo Soldiers made, because, in a way, their fight and sacrifice helped Barack get elected.

2009 should be an exciting year for you with the release of 'Fast and Furious' and 'Avatar'.

LA: Yes, this should be a good year for me. 'Fast and Furious' comes out on April 3, and that's where my energy is right now. After that, we will be promoting 'Avatar,' which comes out later this year. I'm really excited about that. I have some good projects that hopefully will do well at the box office. I'm blessed that people have a level of expectation of projects that I'm in now. My job is to meet that level and exceed it as much as I can.

As one of the new cast members to the franchise of 'Furious,' what are you bringing to the table that other villains haven't in the past?

LA: For me, if you are a fan of the franchise, then you know that the star of any of the films isn't necessarily one person, it's usually the ensemble together or the cars. As a car enthusiast, you are going to see some really cool cars in this film. The car I have in the film is pretty fast.

Why should anyone pick up 'Miracle at St. Anna' DVD or Blu-ray?

LA: Because you are going to get everything you need in one film. There's action, romance, comedy. The film is actually funny, which I didn't expect it to be. Spike has a way of injecting humor in his films in situations where you don't expect it. You'll get a little bit of everything in this film, as well as an enjoyable history lesson. This film is actually an entertaining way of learning something.