Rayman, glad you are digging Who. As for the difference in the Classic and new stuff:

Aside from the F/X, the pacing is much slower, and the production values overall are slight at times. As long as you watch it for the character of The Doctor, and can digest that this was the show for its era, then I think there is plenty to like about Classic Who. And hey, catching a good buzz before you watch one doesn't hurt, either... ;\)

I would advise you start with Tom Baker's City of Death, written by Douglas Adams (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy). It's a simple, Earth-bound episode filmed on location in Paris, France. The wit is sharp, and the story tight enough to be good, silly enough to be Adams.

As far as the 4th Doctor/Tom Baker, I also recommend:

  • Robot
    Robots of Death
    The Ribos Operation
    Talons of Weng-Chiang
    Hand of Fear
    The Brain of Morbius


Depending on how far back you want to go, check out the 3rd Doctor's Spearhead From Space. It's his first story, the first Who episode ever filmed in color, and bears a notable striking resemblance to the Eccleston opener Rose. Might be worth your time.

And, don't turn off of Colin Baker before you've tried him. He's not nearly as bad as fandom makes him out to be. The suit? Absurd. The actor? One of the best Doctors, in my opinion.

Also, if you're wanting to get a little Peter Davison/5th Doctor, then your library may have the new New Beginnings box set. It's the last two episodes of the 4th Doctor's run, and the first episode of the 5th Doctor...