…  A rift between Hollywood studios and theater chains over who should foot the bill for 3-D glasses erupted publicly Wednesday after exhibitors lashed out at Sony Pictures‘ plan to stop covering those costs starting in May. The nation’s largest cinema operator, Regal Entertainment Group, threatened to not play certain movies in retaliation. …

RealD, which provides most of the 3-D glasses used domestically, said it is staying out of the debate. “We are confident that studios and exhibitors will work together to find an appropriate resolution for all parties,” said Rick Heineman, senior vice president of marketing communications at RealD.

Who bears the expense of 3-D glasses varies in different foreign theatrical markets, Heineman said. In Latin America, as in the U.S., the studios pay, while in Europe, 3-D glasses are a separate concession item that moviegoers buy. In some theaters in China, moviegoers rent the glasses in exchange for a refundable deposit. …

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