Because very very few people know of those films.

"Ooh, aren't I lucky, I got a chunky bit!"

You could also have mentioned Heavenly Creatures and The Frighteners (filmed in my home town, was a blast seeing Michael J. Fox roaming around).

I suspect they mentioned LotR because you know, well known and, fantasy.

Not really comparable to Barry and the team vs. the evil aliens, or Harvey Weinstein personified in a walrus puppet.

But I'm rather glad you're aware of Jackson's earlier works.