Act One or Act Two?

[genome]

Saw this being discussed on another thread, and thought it would make a good poll.

I prefer Act One after multiple listens, having initially preferred Act Two. The run from Ravenskill all the way to end is brilliant and clinches it for me, and A New Beginning is my favourite track on the album. And it also has the Overture, which is epic.

What do you prefer?

P.S Woops - Just found this! https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=45715.0

Feel free to lock, though perhaps people's opinions have since changed?

[Kotowboy]

Act 1 just by dint of it being 30 minutes longer.

[fischermasamune]

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=45715.0
Divided in 2 acts

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=46056.0
Divided in 3 parts

[Outcrier]

Act 1 by a landslide. Most of the best songs of the album are there.

[Kotowboy]

What 1 song from Act II would everyone put on Act ! ( CD capacity not an issue ) to really seal the deal ?

[Enigmachine]

Act 1 just by dint of it being 30 minutes longer.

Pretty much. More of a good thing = better.

What 1 song from Act II would everyone put on Act ! ( CD capacity not an issue ) to really seal the deal ?

Then it would be out of the order and the story wouldn't make sense. Musically, The Path That Divides.

[54_diplomats]

Act 1 by far. Act 2 is kinda lackluster.

[BlobVanDam]

Act 1 by a landslide. Most of the best songs of the album are there.

Act 1 by far. Act 2 is kinda lackluster.

^These.

[KevShmev]

Act 1 by a landslide. Most of the best songs of the album are there.

Agreed. 

And the least best songs are from Act II.  I think The Walking Shadow might be the most generic song they've ever done.  There is nothing memorable about that tune whatsoever.

I won't go so far as to call Act II lackluster, but it definitely ran out of steam musically for a while before regaining its momentum right near the end.

[SystematicThought]

As much as I realize that traditionally Act II is shorter than Act I in plays, for The Astonishing, Act II feels kinda rushed. I mean, Arhys dies only a few songs in and the next five songs or so all deal with the same thing and take place at Heaven's Cove. I guess it feels rushed despite being 50 minutes.

[SebastianPratesi]

And the least best songs are from Act II.  I think The Walking Shadow might be the most generic song they've ever done.  There is nothing memorable about that tune whatsoever.

Well, I find the ending bit (starting at 2:06, when JM plays his first note) to be the most amazing section from the album. Maybe it doesn't sound as amazing on first listen, but after a while it becomes evident not only how complex it is, but also how great it represents the scene.

[erwinrafael]

Yeah, the Walking Shadow's merits is in how it told the story. From the uneasy tic tic tic of the hihat, to JR's creepy keyboard tone, then that last part where they conveyed the rush and the confusion of the scene.