Dragon Quest - Where to start?

I've always been a big fan of RPGs but I'm quite ashamed to say that the Dragon Quest series has slipped under my radar. Now that its well into its franchise I have absolutely no idea where to start! Recommendations would be very helpful :)

I've only played Dragon Quest VIII Journey of the Cursed King but I really liked that one a lot. The art style and soundtrack was wonderful.

" I've only played Dragon Quest VIII Journey of the Cursed King but I really liked that one a lot. The art style and soundtrack was wonderful. "

Dragon Quest IV is a good place. It can be a bit grindy in a few places (it's an NES game, after all), but overall, it's a fantastic game you should play immediately.

Start with the DS remakes and work up. So start at 4 than 5, 6 is coming out soon, 7 you can skip, then play 8 for the PS2, and by then 9 will be out.

in my pants?

" I've only played Dragon Quest VIII Journey of the Cursed King but I really liked that one a lot. The art style and soundtrack was wonderful. "

6 is coming out soon

Start with the DS versions of IV & V then work your way up.  I found VIII disappointing in comparison to the DS games though.  It was a more attractive game but there was less detail put into the game than in the handheld ones.   
@Video_Game_King: Dragon Quest VI DS Debuts at TGS
 

Damn it, still no release date at all!

Thanks for the help everyone, I shall start with the DS remakes :)