I think it's probably because I saw them a long time before the new ones, it was something I remember from childhood. The live action ones came out when I was a young adult and they skipped the better parts and embellished others in my opinion. I know the "Tom" debate is overdone, but beyond providing the ancient weapons needed to defeat the Witchking, he provides a glimpse into the lore without making it a detour that just seems out of place.