Graveyard Shift (1990)

Description

Graveyard Shift – Blu-ray Disc Review

Kino Lorber | 1990 | 86 min | Rated R
Genres: Horror | Supernatural | Thriller

Disc Specs (Blu-ray Disc)

• Disc Type: BD-50
• Resolution: 1080p HD
• Codec: AVC MPEG-4
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Audio:
  • English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
  • English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
• Subtitles: English SDH
• Region Coding: Region A (locked)

VIDEO QUALITY: ★★★★☆ (4.0/5)

The Blu-ray presentation of Graveyard Shift is sourced from the same new 4K master used for the UHD disc, downscaled to 1080p. The results are generally excellent for a film of its age and budget.

Breakdown:

• Sharpness & Detail: Clarity is strong throughout most of the feature, with facial textures, grime-covered surfaces, and rat-infested mill decor all clearly rendered.
• Color & Contrast: While not as vibrant as the UHD, this transfer still boasts nicely saturated colors. Skin tones are natural, and the dingy browns and rusts of the factory setting come through with gritty authenticity.
• Grain & Noise: Grain is present but finely managed. There’s no DNR smearing or ghosting on the 1080p disc, making it arguably more consistent and natural-looking than parts of the 4K disc.
• Stability: Black levels are solid and hold up well during dimly lit basement scenes, though shadow detail is slightly crushed compared to the 4K Dolby Vision version.

Verdict: This Blu-ray holds its own against many catalog horror releases. It may lack the peak HDR impact of the 4K disc, but it’s a great option for HD setups or collectors without UHD capability.

AUDIO QUALITY: ★★★★★ (5.0/5)

The Blu-ray features the same DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 mixes available on the 4K disc.

Key Notes:

• 5.1 Mix: Engaging surround activity in the climax with attacking rats and crumbling structures. Industrial machinery and ambient effects feel immersive.
• 2.0 Track: Has a more vintage, mono-feel charm for purists. Works great for dialogue-driven segments.
• Dialogue & Effects: Clear, well-mixed dialogue. Creepy ambient FX—whispers, squeaks, and echoes—create great horror atmosphere.

Verdict: No matter which track you choose, the sound design amplifies the tension and gross-out charm of this subterranean creature feature.

SPECIAL FEATURES (Blu-ray Exclusive Content)

In addition to the commentary track (also on the 4K disc), the Blu-ray includes a generous set of archival interviews and extras:

• ️ Commentary by critics Howard S. Berger & Marc Edward Heuck
  A smart, layered discussion about the adaptation’s deviations from Stephen King’s short story, the film’s cult status, and ‘90s horror trends.
• Interview with Ralph Singleton (27 min)
  The director discusses his transition from the corporate world to Hollywood and what it was like helming his only feature film.
• Interview with Stephen Macht (14 min)
  Reflections on acting, his role in the film, and working within a Stephen King property.
• Interview with Kelly Wolf (14 min)
  Former ballet dancer turned actress shares how she landed her role and insights into filming in grimy environments.
• Interview with Robert Alan Beuth (15 min)
  An entertaining conversation about his path to the film and thoughts on adapting horror for the screen.
• Trailer (2 min)
  A classic, spooky VHS-era theatrical trailer.
• ️ Reversible Cover
  Featuring the vintage Graveyard Shift poster art for retro fans.

OVERALL SCORE: ★★★☆☆ (3.0/5)

✅ Blu-ray Pros:

• Great 1080p transfer from the new 4K master
• Excellent DTS-HD MA audio options
• Deep and varied special features, especially the interviews
• Classic reversible artwork

❌ Cons:

• Less dynamic range than the 4K disc
• No exclusive bonus content on the Blu-ray (shared with UHD disc)
• The film itself is still uneven despite its charm

RECOMMENDED if you’re a horror collector, Stephen King completist, or simply love practical creature effects and ’90s genre cheese. It’s not a home run as a film, but the disc offers a strong presentation and enjoyable extras for fans.