Osamu Tezuka' s Phoenix contains episodes 1-13 of the anime and is directed by Ryousuke Takahashi.

Down through the ages, humankind has gone to great lengths to search for and discover the key to immortality. According to legend, the Phoenix, a mythical bird of fire, is said to hold the key to eternal life. Great warriors, greedy princesses, ambitious scientists and ordinary people, all desire to possess its promise and power. Great wars are waged in a vain attempt to win it and as a tragic result, many civilizations rise and fall. Phoenix is an anthology of five fables from the past, the present and the future where many lives perish because of their unquenchable greed. Ironically, true suffering often comes to those who find and attain immortality only to experience the sad and tragic burden of outliving all loved ones and friends and having to journey alone through an eternal life.

Osamu Tezuka (1928-1989), known as the god of manga in his native Japan and the creator of JUNGLE EMPEROR LEO and ASTRO BOY, is indisputably hailed as the father of modern Japanese comics and animation. His artistry and powerful storytelling continue to bring a sense of wonder and spiritual inspiration to audiences all around the world. The epic tale of the Phoenix brings Tezuka’s masterwork manga to life and unfolds a powerful fable of human hope and despair, love and hate and life and death. It is a cosmic love poem to the human condition that beautifully illustrates the circle of life - from birth to maturity and from death to rebirth!

Special Features: Textless Opening & Closing, Gallery