Well, my experimentation has resulted in utter, dismal failure.

Because of the large size of the DVD -iso, I had deleted the original ftp files from my HD. After many overnight hours of downloads, I finally was able to get two additional copies - one from a ftp site, the other from alt.binaries.boneless from usenet. As an aside, usenet transfers are very fast. A copy of the DVD was posted on Sunday and I was able to download the entire thing in just over 2 hours - much better than the 20 hours from my ftp sites.

To follow up:
1. Both iso copies passed the md5 checks.
2. I burned both isos with Nero 6 - the newest edition with all the patches. I burned them on the slowest speed with write verification enabled.
3. I burned 3 copies to three different media - copy one to Memorex DVD+R disk and a no-name DVD-RW, copy two to an Office Depot DVD-R. Although I realize this is not scientifically covering ALL bases, I don't wish to make a hobby of burning disks.
4. In short, I received the exact same error with all three disks. OpenOffice attempts to load - the dvd drive flashes and I get a few seconds of the "bouncing OpenOffice" icon, and then nothing happens. If I try to load OOo again, the same response. When I close Knoppix, the blue OpenOffice screen is still there. (though, I only see it for a flash, no matter how many times I try to load OOo.)
5. Everything else seems to work on the disk. I now have 4 copies of Knoppix 4 and they all do the same thing.

I am stumped. I thank you for your suggestions about media frailty, but I don't think that is really the issue. Any suggestions on how to get OpenOffice 2 to load? BTW, I have a few computers, but I am trying this experiment on the fastest - and I only have one DVD drive.