Graveyard Shift 4K Ultra HD Review

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Directed by Ralph S. Singleton, Graveyard Shift is a 1990 horror film based on Stephen King’s short story of the same name from his 1978 collection Night Shift. The film is a quintessential example of early 1990s B-movie horror, blending gruesome practical effects, a claustrophobic atmosphere, and a straightforward narrative. While it has its moments of genuine terror and creativity, the film falls short of being a standout entry in the horror genre or in the pantheon of Stephen King adaptations.

Plot and Storytelling

The story revolves around a group of workers in a decrepit textile mill who are forced to work the overnight “graveyard shift” to clean out the basement. Unbeknownst to them, the mill is infested with a colony of giant, mutated rats and a monstrous bat-like creature that preys on the workers. The plot is simple and predictable, adhering to the classic horror trope of a group of people being picked off one by one in an isolated setting. While the film captures the grimy, oppressive tone of King’s original story, it lacks the depth and character development that might have made the audience more invested in the fates of the workers. The screenplay, written by John Esposito, feels rushed and underdeveloped, with dialogue that often veers into the realm of campy and unconvincing.

Acting

The acting in Graveyard Shift is a mixed bag. The cast is led by David Andrews as John Hall, the drifter who becomes the film’s de facto hero, and Kelly Wolf as Jane Wisconsky, the mill’s manager and love interest. Andrews delivers a serviceable performance, though his character is underwritten and lacks depth. Wolf, while competent, is similarly hampered by a script that doesn’t give her much to work with. The standout performance comes from Stephen Macht as Warwick, the sadistic and exploitative mill foreman. Macht chews the scenery with gusto, embodying the archetype of the cruel, power-hungry antagonist. The supporting cast, including Brad Dourif as the eccentric exterminator Tucker, adds some flavor to the film, though their roles are largely one-dimensional.

Cinematography and Atmosphere

The film’s strongest aspect is its atmosphere. Cinematographer Peter Stein effectively captures the grim, dirty, and claustrophobic environment of the mill and its labyrinthine basement. The use of dim lighting, shadows, and tight camera angles creates a sense of dread and unease, enhancing the horror elements. The setting itself—a decaying, rat-infested mill filled with muck and grime—is appropriately disgusting and unsettling, making it a fitting backdrop for the gruesome events that unfold. The film’s practical effects, particularly the design of a monstrous creature eventually revealed to be living in the mill, are commendable for their era and add to the visceral impact of the horror.

Direction

Ralph S. Singleton, primarily known for his work as a producer, made his directorial debut with Graveyard Shift. While he demonstrates a solid grasp of creating tension and atmosphere, his inexperience as a director is evident in the film’s pacing and tonal inconsistencies. The movie struggles to balance its horror elements with moments of unintentional humor, often undermining the suspense. Singleton’s direction is competent but unremarkable, lacking the flair and creativity that might have elevated the material.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, Graveyard Shift received largely negative reviews from critics. It was criticized for its thin plot, underdeveloped characters, and reliance on gross-out horror rather than genuine scares. However, some reviewers acknowledged the film’s effective atmosphere and practical effects, particularly the design of the creature. Over time, the film has gained a modest cult following among fans of B-movie horror and Stephen King adaptations, appreciated for its campy charm and nostalgic 1990s aesthetic. At the time, Caryn James of The New York Times, described the film as: “A grisly, predictable horror movie that relies more on cheap shocks than genuine suspense, offering little beyond its grotesque special effects.”

Legacy

While Graveyard Shift is far from being one of the best Stephen King adaptations, it remains an entertaining, if flawed, entry in the horror genre. Its strengths lie in its atmospheric setting, practical effects, and moments of gruesome creativity. However, its weak script, uneven pacing, and lack of character development prevent it from being a memorable or impactful film. For fans of 1990s horror or Stephen King completists, Graveyard Shift is worth a watch, but it is unlikely to leave a lasting impression on more discerning viewers.

The Video

Kino Lorber’s Graveyard Shift uses a new HDR/Dolby Vision master from a 4K scan of the 35mm camera negative in 1.85:1 HEVC 2160p (4K UHD) on 4K disc. The Blu-ray is also from this 4K scan, with a new HD master.

The transfer offers detailed texture, sometimes excessively sharp due to film stock and lenses. Some scenes appear softer but remain detailed. The Dolby Vision grading enhances dynamic range with nuanced black levels and bright highlights.

The Audio

Graveyard Shift offers DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 stereo mixes. The 5.1 mix, which I reviewed, is spacious and atmospheric with well-placed sound effects enhancing the film’s final act. The low end is decent but not exceptionally deep or powerful.

The Supplements

Only the audio commentary is new. The featurettes are ported over from the Shout! Factory release.

Bonus Features:

• Reversible Sleeve
• Audio commentary by film historians Howard S. Berger and Marc Edward Heuck (NEW)
• Interview with director Ralph S. Singleton (1080p; 00:26:05)
• Interview with actor Stephen Macht (1080p; 00:13:39)
• Interview with actress Kelly Wolf (1080p; 00:13:11)
• Interview with actor Robert Alan Beuth (1080p; 00:14:10)
• Graveyard Shift – Trailer (1080p; 00:01:37)
• Cujo – Trailer
• Misery – Trailer
• Needful Things – Trailer
• Body Parts – Trailer
• Death Machine – Trailer
• Cherry 2000 – Trailer
• The Monster Squad — Trailer

The Final Assessment

Graveyard Shift is a serviceable but ultimately forgettable horror film. Its strengths in atmosphere and creature design are undermined by a lackluster script and uneven direction. While it may appeal to fans of B-movie horror or those with a nostalgic fondness for early ‘90s genre films, it falls short of being a standout entry in the Stephen King adaptation canon. That said, this 4K release from Kino Lorber has the film looking far better than it probably deserves to look, eking out detail in every grimy crevice, the furs on every rat, and an atmospheric 5.1 mix.

Graveyard Shift is out on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray February 25, 2025 from Kino Lorber

• Rating Certificate: R
• Studios & Distributors: Paramount Pictures | Sugar Entertainment Ltd. | JVC Entertainment Networks | Graveyard Productions | Kino Lorber
• Director: Ralph S. Singleton
• Written By: Stephen King | John Esposito
• Run Time: 86 Mins.
• Video Format: HEVC 2160p (4K UHD)
• Primary Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.1
• Secondary Audio: English DTS-HD MA 2.0 Stereo
• Subtitles: English SDH