A "Madea" animated movie is on the way, courtesy of Mr Tyler Perry of course; although, it appears that this one will not be released in theaters, but will instead head directly to the home video market (DVD, Digital, VOD, etc) – so says the press release I received late last month, but I’m just now finally getting to read.

Writer/director/producer Tyler Perry makes his first foray into family animation with the release of "Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Tough Love," arriving on DVD (plus Digital) and On Demand January 20, 2015 from Lionsgate. The film will be available on Digital HD one week earlier, on January 13.

In the film, fans of Madea can now watch all of their favorite characters, including Madea, Uncle Joe and Aunt Bam, in a whole new way! After a run-in with the law, Madea is sentenced to community service. Determined to do good for the ‘hood, Madea enlists Aunt Bam and Uncle Joe to try and save the Moms Mabley Youth Center from being shut down, using her trademark sass, wisdom, and toughness with love.

The adventure features the voices of Tyler Perry as Madea and Uncle Joe among others, as well as Cassi Davis as Aunt Bam, along with Rolonda Watts, Avery Kidd Waddell, William "Bootsy" Collins and Cree Summer.

"Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Tough Love" was actually not written nor directed by Perry, however. The story belongs to  Ben Chambers, and was scripted by Matt Fleckenstein, with Frank Marino directing.

Tyler Perry, Ozzie Areu and Matt Moore produced for Tyler Perry studios.

Madea fans can get a sneak peek of the movie starting tomorrow, November 25, when "Introducing Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Tough Love" debuts as a special feature on "Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas" Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD.

The "Madea’s Tough Love" DVD will include a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, and a sketch-to-screen storyboard comparison that show Tyler in the recording studio voicing his characters.

Watch the trailer for the upcoming animated film below: