5 Things to Know This Morning

— -- Your look at the five biggest and most buzz-worthy stories of the morning.

1. Sony Says Theaters Don't Have to Show 'The Interview' After Threats

Sony has told theaters they do not have to show "The Interview," after the group claiming responsibility for stealing troves of Sony executives' emails released a note apparently threatening attacks on the theaters where the movie will be played, sources said.

Actors James Franco and Seth Rogen also canceled all press appearances in light of the threats, a representative for Rogen said.

The Department of Homeland Security said the threat is not backed up by any "credible intelligence," but sources told ABC News that the Sony hack and matters tied to it are being investigated not just as a criminal cyber matter but as a national security matter by the nation's law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

2. Pakistan School: Devastation Where 148 Were Slain

The Taliban massacre that killed 148 people, mostly children, at a military-run school in northwestern Pakistan left a scene of devastation and carnage as the nation mourned and mass funerals for the victims got underway Wednesday.

The attack Tuesday at the Army Public School and College in the city of Peshawar was the deadliest slaughter of innocents in the country and horrified a nation already weary of unending terrorist assaults.

Blood was pooled on the floor and the stairs as media were allowed inside the school a day after the attack. Broken window glass, door frames, torn notebooks, pieces of clothing and children's shoes were scattered about. A pair of child's eyeglasses lay broken on the ground.

Prayer vigils were held across the nation and in other schools, students spoke of their shock at the brutal slaying in Peshawar, where seven Taliban gunmen, explosives strapped to their bodies, scaled a back wall using a ladder to get into the in the morning hours on Tuesday.

3. Australia Looks for Lessons Following Sydney Siege

Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced a joint review to identify lessons following a deadly siege inside a Sydney cafe.

The review, announced in a news conference, will involve the Australia Commonwealth and New South Wales governments. A full report is expected by the end of January.

“The review will examine and make recommendations about a wide range of issues including the circumstances surrounding hostage-taker Man Haron Monis’ arrival in Australia and subsequent granting of asylum and citizenship; what information agencies had about him and how it was shared; and whether relevant national security legislative powers could have been better used,” Abbott’s office said in a release.

“We are determined to ensure that nothing stands in the way of ensuring the people who put their lives on the line to keep Australia safe can get their job done.”

4. Barack the Deejay: Obamas Reveal Intimate White House Dance Party

It's played host to royalty, presidential family Christmases, and first lady summits. At one time it served as FDR's personal study.

Now, President Obama says the Yellow Oval Room in the upstairs residence of the White House has also served as his personal dance floor.

In an interview with People magazine for release Friday, Obama reveals that he, the first lady and close friends spent a recent Friday evening grooving to soul tunes in the privacy of their official Washington home.

"Friday night. In the Yellow Oval. We had some guests over. It was a small group,” Obama told the magazine when asked about the last time he danced.

5. 'The Big Lebowski' Joins National Film Registry

The Dude is finally getting his due.

“The Big Lebowski,” a 1998 cult comedy film starring Jeff Bridges as a boozy slacker, is joining the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry, along with such films as “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Saving Private Ryan,” the Library of Congress is expected to announce today.

The registry selects 25 films each year, with selections at least 10 years old and “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.” The selections pull from various time periods, genres and styles, covering a century of film history.