Why isn't there a DVD version of WoW/WoWBC

The Collector's Editions contain DVD's, so that's a possible solution if you can find a copy. You can also create your own DVD by copying all of the Tome files into a single directory and then burning the contents of that directory as a DVD. Instructions on how to copy those files can be found here http://www.blizzard.com/support/wow/?id=aww01635p but the burning portion you'll have to figure out yourself with whatever software you use to do so. I believe you can also still obtain demo discs from some retailers, for the original game only of course, for a dollar or two.

Q u o t e:
It would appear my BC:CE contains 4 installation CDs

The original game now comes with 5 I believe, so that would be 9 CD's when reinstalling the full game. The OP was quite right. You have a DVD if you own the Collector's Edition though.

When creating your own DVD from the CD's you already own, as I outlined and linked to, the game installs exactly the same as it would if you had the Collector's Edition DVD. Seamless.

Q u o t e:


So if I burn my original WoW 4 cds to a dvd and my TBC 4 cds to another dvd, will I need any downloadable updates between installing dvds, or do TBC 4 cds contain all the 1.0 --> 2.0 updates?

Nope, the expansion will take you directly from a fresh World of Warcraft installation to Burning Crusade with no need for updates inbetween. Like I said, seamless. You could probably also fit some of the post-BC patches on the DVD, to make it even easier to get in and playing.