Gundam Newbie

Okay, I admit it. I've never actually watched Gundam before. I used to love Robotech and Voltron when I was a kid, and have always dug the genre. But for some reason, I never saw anything Gundam.

Anyway, with Pacific Rim coming out this summer, it's rekindled my interest in mecha-themed anime. I decided I'd finally check out Gundam, but I quickly discovered that Gundam is a HUGE effing franchise. Dozens of series' and movies to choose from. So, where does a newbie begin? Do I start with the original series from 1979? Does it matter?

Thanks!

If you're a religion, you can have a canon. If you're a scifi franchise, get over yourself.