Capcom admits DLC is on disc:
http://www.kotaku.com/5890630/capcom...ity-file-size?
By including these 12 characters on the disc, the idea was to ensure easy compatibility between players who do and do not choose to download the characters when they arrive as DLC. For example, not buying costumes in the Street Fighter IV series means you will not see the costumes when playing another person who did buy them; on-disc characters avoid this issue and allow everyone to participate in the update without additional patches or hiccups. The update also saves on file size - instead of a massive download, there will be a much smaller unlock that brings the new content to the surface.
This move also furthers our desire to avoid a "Super" version of the game down the road. Everything you need to enjoy this game for months (and years) to come will be accessed by the retail disc available this week. When the DLC update does come, it will inject new life and excitement into the game by unleashing 12 new fighters into the wild.
Bear in mind, it never says they'll charge for these characters, but I think we would all be in agreement that given their past and current history, there will likely be a price tag attached. Not purchasing regardless of whether or not they are priced or not now. I'm tired of this BS.