Falling in Love Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Falling in Love Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 27, 2025

1984’s “Falling in Love” is an attempt to soften two actors known for their incredible intensity. There’s Meryl Streep, coming off an Academy Award win for her emotionally devastating performance in “Sophie’s Choice,” chasing such power with the chilling atmosphere of “Silkwood,” bringing life to an uneasy subject matter. There’s Robert De Niro, whose furrowed brow approach to acting turned him into an icon, also collecting an Oscar for his memorable turn in “Raging Bull,” maintaining that edge for follow-up projects such as “The King of Comedy” and “Once Upon a Time in America.” These are not two performers known for projecting warmth, but they each hold a different interpretation of intimacy, giving director Ulu Grosbard (“Straight Time,” “True Confessions,” “Georgia”) something to work with in “Falling in Love,” which represents a career change for both performers, asked to go soft and emotional for this study of infidelity and need. Screenwriter Michael Cristofer (“The Witches of Eastwick,” “The Bonfire of the Vanities”) sets up a tender dance of internalized feelings for the personalities, skipping a lot of plot to remain close to the characters, allowing Streep and De Niro a chance to find their way across alien terrain, and this exploratory aspect of the picture helps to strengthen the viewing experience.

Christmas has come for architectural engineer Frank (Robert De Niro) and artist Molly (Meryl Streep), putting them on the hunt for gifts at the last minute, scrambling in the bustle of the big city. They collide at a book store, accidentally mixing up presents, and attraction is born but disregarded. Frank has a family, sharing two sons with his wife, Ann (Jane Kaczmarek), while Molly is married to Brian (David Clennon), also tending to the medical needs of her father, John (George Martin). Frank and Molly reunite on a commuter train, making polite conversation that sparks something within Frank, who’s moved by his time with a kind woman. Following his newfound passion, Frank tries to inspire a relationship with Molly, believing there’s a bond there. Dates ensue, as both Frank and Molly are confronted by something bigger developing between them, despite their domestic responsibilities. Testing their feelings during months of professional and personal upheaval, Frank and Molly try to understand what’s happening, allowing their chemistry to distract them from real life responsibilities.

The Christmas spirit powers the opening of “Falling in Love,” introducing two characters struggling to manage their errands and presents as the city is packed with tourists and local trying to celebrate the season. We learn bits and pieces of Frank and Molly’s life demands and tastes, including a mutual love for hot dogs, and they share the same instinct when it comes to purchases for their spouses, ending up in a book store as they buy generic coffee table books. There are friendships to manage as well, as Holly makes time for Isabelle (Dianne Wiest), who’s embarking on her own affair with the younger man after cracks form in her marriage. And there’s Ed (Harvey Keitel), Frank’s pal, who’s about to experience the pains of divorce. These supporting characters aren’t heavily featured in “Falling in Love,” but they represent windows to life choices for Frank and Molly, who are caught up in their own domestic unions, sharing a brief spark of attraction on Christmas that eventually becomes something else.

Despite the presence of Streep and De Niro, Grosbard doesn’t go hard with “Falling in Love.” He’s more interested in creating a soap opera with the actors, though one that pursues the real battle of temptation as Frank and Molly eventually reunite and begin to develop the early shape of a relationship. There’s silent hope to see each other again and the script tracks their meetings, which grow from conversations on the train to a visit to Chinatown, where Frank does battle with a tic-tac-toe machine containing a live chicken opponent. Personal histories are exchanged, and the couple are quick to remind each other of their marital status, though Cristofer doesn’t exactly provide a dramatic challenge with living arrangements, creating two spouses who’ve gone cold, making temptation for Frank and Molly a little easier to understand. “Falling in Love” also delves into private struggles, as Molly faces the decline of her father, not prepared to deal with such a loss, finding emotional support from Frank.

“Falling in Love” isn’t cheery, but it retains the sugar rush of attraction between two people, with Frank the more determined of the pair to make something happen. Refreshingly, sex is debated but honestly approached, allowing the material to remain human while still participating in big movie feelings as the couple is challenged by life demands, complicating their burgeoning relationship. Grosbard tries to maintain a lighter touch with a jazzy score by Dave Grusin (which doesn’t always fit the mood of the feature), but “Falling in Love” remains driven by Streep and De Niro, finding the latter somewhat unable to keep Frank an open book, inadvertently teasing stalker-esque behavior with his practiced thespian intensity. It’s not a poor performance, just more of a miscasting during a decade of change for the actor as he sought out different roles. Streep is skilled at accessing delight and torment, finding her place in the production.

Falling in Love Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Falling in Love" is listed as "remastered from a new 4K scan of its original 35mm camera negative for this worldwide Blu-ray premiere." While not a lost film, "Falling in Love" isn't exactly a title that's been in-demand over the years, but fans of the feature should be pleased with the Fun City Editions release. Detail is pleasing, providing a feel for skin particulars on the cast and their varied looks. Costuming remains fibrous, exploring professional attire and casual outfits. Exteriors are plentiful, capturing the feel of New York City and its street life. Interiors are dimensional around living spaces and train stations. Color is capable, offering a cooler palette with the concrete ways of NYC and steely train activity. Warmer hues are found in domestic areas. Christmas is sharply represented here in bold reds. Clothing retains crisp primaries. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is decently resolved, carrying a film-like appearance. Source is in good condition.

Falling in Love Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix secures the jazzy sounds of the score by Dave Grusin, offering distinct piano-based moods and warmer support throughout the listening event. Dialogue exchanges are clear, securing quieter emotional conversations. Atmospherics are appreciable, exploring New York City street life and commuter train bustle.

Falling in Love Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet offers essays by Mitchell Beaupre and Daniel Schweiger.

• Commentary features writer Jim Hemphill.

• Image Gallery (6:53) collects publicity shots and film stills.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:36, HD) is included.

Falling in Love Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Falling in Love" doesn't overwhelm with its emotional content, but Grosbard comes close to escalating sudsy development to make an impression. The picture is stronger when it remains focused on private struggles and inner thoughts, exploring the turmoil of two people recognizing their connection while living separate lives committed to other people. Small moments tend to register with the most power in the film, carrying it to interesting moments of indecision and need, which accurately sells the longing of the story.